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A HISTORY 



FARMINGTON, 



FRANKLIN COUNTY, MAINE, 



FROM THE 



EARLIEST F:XPL0RATI0NS TO THE PRESENT TIME, 

1776-1885. 



BY 



FRANCIS GOULD BUTLER, 



MEMBER OF THE MAINE HISTORICAI. SOCIETY. 



Posterity delights in details.— ym-a Quincy Adams. 



FARMINGTON: 

I'RKSS OF KNOVVLTON, McLFARV, AND CO. 

I 885. 



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PREFACE. 



A PEOPLE justly proud of their ancestors, as are the 
descendants of the Puritan Fathers of New England, take a 
lively interest in studying and in transmitting to posterity 
whatever of history pertains to their town or family. 

Farmington is undoubtedly one of the best agricultural 
towns in the State, and when we consider the extent of its 
geographical area, the fertility of its soil, its varied mechani- 
cal industries, its mercantile and professional pursuits, and 
also consider the fact that it has been the shire town of the 
County of Franklin for almost half a century, none will deny 
that such a town has a history, and that it should be pre- 
served. The pioneers who came to found a home for them- 
selves and their families were generally without pecuniary 
means. Mere hangers-on were not tolerated, nor did they 
find a welcome among the early settlers. Many of these 
pioneers had seen hard service in the French and Indian 
and Revolutionary Wars, had been inured to hardship, toil, 
and poverty, and fully realized the blessings of home and its 
comforts. They were generally men in the prime of man- 
hood's strength, and with vigorous blows leveled the forests 
and brought under cultivation a virgin soil, the fruits of 
which furnished abundant sustenance for all. Amid the 
curling smoke and dying flame they erected their log-cabins 
and hovels, and thither conducted in triumph through the 
wilderness their wives and children. 



2 PREFACE. 

For several years I have contemplated writing a history 
of the town of Farmington, hoping thereby to rescue from 
oblivion many facts and incidents touching its early history 
which are fast fading away ; but never could I seem to set 
myself earnestly at work for its accomplishment until Febru- 
ary, 1883, when the flight of time admonished me that if 
ever such a history was to be written it ought to be com- 
menced at once. Accordingly, prompted by a few friends, 
and with the aid of an assistant, I began to collect the mate- 
rial necessary for the prosecution of the work, and from that 
period to the present I have devoted almost my entire time 
to its accomplishment. One great obstacle with which I 
have been obliged to contend is the apathy and indifference 
manifested by those from whom information has been 
sought. More than a thousand letters and postal-cards have 
been written during the progress of the work, and I am 
happy to say that in a large majority of cases the replies 
have been prompt and full, although in others they have 
been so delayed as to cause embarrassment ; and in a few 
instances assistance has been positively refused. Some blank 
dates, I regret to say, will be noticed in the Genealogical 
Register which it has been impossible to fill. As a rule, 
tradition has been discarded and facts introduced in its 
stead, and whatever suited my purpose in any work has been 
taken, giving the proper credit where the amount appropri- 
ated seemed to warrant it. 

In the prosecution of this undertaking, information has 
been drawn from various sources. The records of the town 
— complete and full from the date of the incorporation in 
1794 — and the records of churches, parishes, and other 
organizations have proved of valuable assistance. The files 
of the local newspapers, including the Sandy River Yeoman, 
Franklin Register, Farmington Chronicle, Franklin Patriot, 
and Franklin Journal, from the issue of the first number of 
the Sandy River Yeoman, in 183 1, have been carefully con- 
sulted. Many facts touching the early settlement, organiza- 
tion, and condition of the town have been derived from 
original documents preserved in the archives of the State at 
Boston and at Augusta. The excellent collections of the 



PREFACE. 3 

Maine Historical Society have afforded considerable aid for 
the history in its more public relations. Among the docu- 
mentary authorities, mention should be made of various 
town histories : Nason's of Dunstable, North's of Augusta, 
and Parker's of Farmington. The last work, though brief 
and incomplete, is valuable for its statistical information. 
From my fellow-townsmen, as well as from printed papers 
and manuscripts, has much material been drawn. The 
older citizens, particularly Rev. John Allen, Dr. John L. 
Blake, Mr. Asa Butterfield, Capt. Peter P. Tufts, and Elijah 
Norton, Esq., out of the stores of their memories have con- 
tributed valued assistance. For the military history of the 
Civil War, I am greatly indebted to Capt. Edward I. Merrill, 
of the 17th Reg. Me. Vols.; and the history of the town in 
the War of 181 2 owes much to the generous co-operation 
and extensive knowledge of Z. K. Harmon of Portland. To 
these gentlemen, as well as to many others who have 
promptly and courteously responded to repeated requests for 
aid, I desire to express my acknowledgements. I also wish 
to offer my thanks to the clerks of various towns, the clerk 
of Franklin County, the officers of Harvard College Library, 
to John Ward Dean of the New England Genealogical 
Library, and to officers in the State Houses at Augusta and 
Boston for many courtesies. 

I should do injustice to my sense of gratitude not to 
mention the services of Dr. J. L. Pratt of Chelsea, Mass., 
and of Hon. Freeman N. Blake of Danvers in furnishing 
important papers relative to the early condition of the 
settlers ; and of Hon. Joseph H. Williams of Augusta in 
procuring valuable genealogical material. I would also not 
forbear to thank Miss Mittie B. Fairbanks for her indefati- 
gable energy in the collection of names and dates for the 
Genealogical Register. Above all others, my acknowledge- 
ments are due to my daughter, Mrs. Carrie F. Butler 
Thwing, for assistance so great and so constant as to sug- 
gest the question whether the reader is not as much indebt- 
ed to her as to him whose name is borne upon the title-page. 

Francis Gould Butler. 

Farmington, January 7, 1885. 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Location. — Water Courses. — Surface. — Soil. — Geology. — Timber. — Wild 
Animals. — Scenery. 13 — 17. 

CHAPTER I. 

EA RL Y EX PL OR A 7 -IONS. 

Indians. — Hunters and Trappers. — Earliest Explorations. — Plymouth Pa- 
tent. — Reuben Colburn and his Associates. — North's Survey. — Meetings 
of Associates. — Later Explorers. — Petition for a Road. — Eirst Settlers. 

— Pierpole. iS — 37 

CHAPTER II. 

SETTLEMENTS FROM 1781 TO 1790. 

Arrival of the First .Settlers. — .Scarcity of Food. — Arrivals from Dunstable. 

— First Mill. — Crops. — Frost. — Great Freshet. — First .Marriage. — 
First Framed House. — First Death. — Other Arrivals from Dunstable. 

— School Opened. — Inventory. — Purchase of the Township. 3!^ — 56. 

CHAPTER III. 

INCORPORATLON AND SUBSEQUENT HISTORY. 

Need of Town Regulations. — Petition for Incorporation. — Protest. — Whil- 
tier's Protest. — Act of IncoriJoration. — First Town Meeting. — Federal 
Tax Assessed. — Local Dissensions. 57 — 75. 



6 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

RECORD FROM THE OPENING OF THE CENTURY UNTIL 
THE WAR OF 1812. 

Growth of Town. — Mills. — First Meeting-House. — Center Meeting-House. 

— Bridges. — Aurora Borealis. — Dysentery. — Increase of Population 
and Wealth. 76 — 90. 

CHAPTER V. 

SCHOOLS. 

Early Schools. — Wages. — Teachers. — First School-House. — Changes in 
School System after Separation. — School Districts. — Text-Books. — 
Academy. — Normal School. — Abbott Family School. — May School. 

— The Willows. — Graded Schools. — High School. — Public Funds. 
91—107. 

CHAPTER VI. 

MILITARY HISTORY, AND THE WAR OF 181 2. 

Need of Military Organization. — Formation of Infantry Companies. — Ap- 
pro])riations for Military Equipments. — First Muster. — Petition for a 
Cavalry Company. — Resolutions upon the Embargo. — Organization of 
Artillery Company. — Rumors of War. — Hardy's Attack on Eastport. — 
Militia Ordered Out. — List of Farmington Men in Service. — Hartford 
Convention. — Its Effect in Farmington. — Peace and its Results. — Later 
Military History. loS — 127. 

CHAPTER VII. 

FROM THE CLOSE OF THE WAR OF 1812, UNTIL THE FORMA- 
TION OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, IN 1838. 

Financial Depression. — Misfortunes of Citizens. — Adams' Factory. — Gross' 
Distillery. — Cold Fever. — Cold Seasons. — Ohio Emigration. — Agita- 
tion of a Separation from Massachusetts. — Brunswick Convention. — 
Portland Convention. — Final Vote on the Question. — Freshet of 1820- 

— Building Union Church at the Falls Village. — Early Temperance 
Movements. — Sandy River Yeoman. — Growth During the Decade. 
128-136. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

CHURCH HISTORY. 

Religious Char.icter of Early .Settlers. — First Preaching. — Efforts to Settle 
a Minister. — Ministerial Lands. — First .Settled Minister. — Distribution 
of Pounds. — Methodist Church. — Jesse Lee. — Class Organized in Farm- 



CONTENTS. 7 

ingtoii. — Joshua Soule. — Early Preachers. — Brick Meetiiig-IIousc. — 
Church Formed in the Village. — Meeting-House Erected. — Other 
Clas.ses. — Secessions. — Free-Will Baptist Church. — Edward Lock's 
Preaching. — Revival. — Church Formed. — Defection of Lock. — Addi- 
tions to the Church. — Meeting- House Erected. — Pastors. — Second 
Free-Will Baptist Church. — Baptist Church Organized. — Meeting- 
House Built. — Pastor. — Congregational Church Organized. — Early 
Preachers. — Isaac Rogers. — Subsequent Pastors. — Universalist Church. — 
Christian Church. — Unitarian Church. — Meeting-House Built. — Catholic 
Church. 137 — 169. 

CHAPTER IX. 

FROM THE ORG.LV/ZAT/O.V OF FRAN'A'L/.V COUNTY 
UXTIL 1S50. 

Erection of the County. — First County Officers. — Court-House. — Litigation 
Concerning Court-House. — Other County Buildings. — Distribution of 
Surplus Revenue. — Aroostook War. — Growth of the Town. — Harrison 
Campaign. — Anti-Slavery Society. — Liberty Party. — Washingtonian 
Movement. — Revivals. — Protestant Methodist Movement. — Millerite 
Delusion. — Agricultural Society. — Other Societies. — New Streets Laid 
Out. — Condition of Village in 1850. 170 — 1S3. 

CHAPTER X. 

RAILROADS. 

First Mail. — Stage Line to Hallowell. — Railroad Meeting in 1S45. — 
Railroad Meeting in 1847. — Survey Made. — Franklin and Kennebec 
Railroad Incorporated. — Organization of Franklin and Kennebec Rail- 
road. — Survey for the Road. — Railroad Meeting at Mercer. — Survey 
of a Railroad Through Chesterville. — Negotiations with the Andro- 
scoggin Railroad. — Completion of Road to West Farmington. — 
E.Ktension of Androscoggin Railroad to Center Village. — Agitation 
Concerning a Railroad to Phillips. — Organization of Sandy River 
Railroad Company. — Completion of the Road. — Franklin and Megantic 
Railroad. 184 — 195. 

CHAPTER XI. 

A RECORD FROM 1S50 UNTIL i860. 

Increase in Population. — Crowth of the Village. — Fire of 1S50. — Village 
Charter Obtained. — Sandy River Bank Chartered. — Misfortunes of the 
Bank. — List of Officers. — Freshet of 1S55. — Riverside Cemetery 
0])ened. — Franklin Patriot Established. — Bear Killed. — Fire of 1859. 

— New Village Charter Obtained. — Fire-Engine Purchased. — Enginc- 
Housc Built. — Village Supervisors. — Appearance o^ the Small-Po.x. 

— Condition of the Town in i860. 196 — 204. 



o CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XII. 

FAKMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 

Slavery. — I'^ection of Abraham Lincoln. — Secession of Eleven States. — 
Fort Sumter Attacked. — Loyal Sentiment in Farmington. — Call for 
Troops. — Gov. Washburn Issues a Proclamation. — Meetings in Farm- 
ington. — Patriotic Sentiments. — Organization of Farmington Companies. 
— The Draft. — Farmington's Quotas. — Bounties and Aid to Soldiers. — 
Work of the Ladies. — John F. Appleton Post No. 25. — List of Sol- 
diers. — Drafted Men. — Principals and Substitutes. 205 — 240. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

A RECORD FROM 1S60 TO 18S4. 

Effects of the War. — Murder in Strong. — Trial of Doyle. — Trial of Jesse 
Wright for Murder of Jeremiah Tuck. — Trial of Samuel Richardson for 
Murder of Joseph Edes. — Assault of Asahel Thompson upon David W. 
Whittier. — Services Memorial of President Lincoln. — Opening Tele- 
graph Line. — Public Library Opened. — Franklin County Savings Bank 
Organized. — Attempted Robbery of the Sandy River National Bank. — 
Meteorological Phenomena. — Great Freshet. — Ice Freshet. — Growth 
of the Town, from i860 to 1870. — Extension of Railroad. — New Streets 
Located. — Buildings Erected. — Trial of John Fletcher. — Fires of 1874 
and 1875. -41 — 258. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 

Primitive Manufactures. — First Saw-Mill. — Mill built by Francis Tufts, at 
the Falls. — Mill built by Russ. — Other Mills at the Falls. — Mills on 
the Wilson Stream. — Fairbanks' Mills. — Russell's Mills. — Allen's Full- 
ing-Mill.— Stinchfield's FuUing-Mill. — Other FuUing-Mills. — Carding- 
Machines. — Ebenezer Sweet's Tannery. — Tanneries of Butler, Town- 
send, Adams, Were, and others. — Thwing's Tannery. — Shoemakers. — 
Hatters. — Norcross' Pottery. — Cabinet- Makers. — Carriage - Manufac- 
tories. — Clover -Mill. — Starch -Factory. — Machine- Shops. — Atwood's 
Pulp-Mill. — Printing and Publishing. — Fishing Rods. — Greenwood's 
Ear-Protectors. — First Corn- Factory built. — Other Canning Establish- 
ments. — Box Factory. — Huse's Factory. 259 — 274. 

CHAPTER XV. 

SKETCHES OF LAWYERS, PHYSICIANS, AND COLLEGE 
GRADUATES. 

Henry V. Chamberlain. — Nathan Cutler.— Zachariah Soule. — Elnathan 
Pope. — Hiram Belcher. — Robert Goodenow. — John L. Cutler. — Joshua 
Randall. — Simeon H. Lowell. — Present Lawyers. — Dr. Aaron Stoyell. — 
L»r. Samuel Guild. — Dr. T. D. Blake, — Dr. Ebenezer Taylor. — Dr. Josiah 



CONTENTS. 9 

Prescott. — Dr. Thomas Flint. — Dr. Allen Phillips. — Dr. Lafayette Per- 
kins. — Dr. ]. V. Moses. — Dr. William C. Staples. — Dr. Jophanus Hen- 
derson. — Dr. William Randall. — Dr. J. L. Blake. — Dr. Fldnuind Russell. 

— Dr. Charles Ale.xander. — Dr. H. W. Hamilton. — Dr. J. B. Severy. — 
Dr. S. P. Warren. — Physicians in Practice in 1885. — List of College 
Graduates. 275 — 293. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

MERCHANTS AND STOKES. 

Early Traders. — Thomas Flint. — Whittier and Bishop. — Col. Daniel Beale. 

— David Moore. — Timothy and Thomas Johnson. — Col. Joseph Fair- 
banks. — Joseph Titcomb. — Clifford Belcher. — Merchants at Backus 
Corner. — Samuel Belcher. — Ebenezer Childs. — Thomas Croswell and 
Other Merchants at the Falls. — R.K.Lowell. — John Titcomb. — Isaac 
Tyler. — Asa Abbott. — Francis Butler. — Joseph Huse. — H. B. Stoyell. 

— Richard Hiscock. — Samuel F. Stoddard. — Leander Boardman. — 
Henry Nason. — A. W. F. Belcher.— H. W. Fairbanks. — F. T. and J. W. 
Fairbanks. — J. W. Perkins. — Gen. Samuel G. Ladd. — William T. 
Abbott. — Reuben Cutler. — Leonard Keith. — Edwin N. Stevens. — Philip 
M. Garcelon. — Andrew H. Bonney. — B. R. Elliott. — Richard S. Rice. — 
Henry M. Howes. — Samuel S. Hersey. — Joel Phinney. — Allen and Co. 

— Present Merchants. 294 — 308. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Table of Incidents. — Appendix. — Genealogical Register. — iirief Biogra- 
phies of Early Settlers. — Poems. — Index I. — Index II. — Errata. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE. 

Supply Belcher. — Stephen Titcomk. — Enoch CRAin. — Thomas 

Wendell Frontispiece. 

Center Meeting-House 7S 

Western State Normal School 91 

Akbott Famh^y School 103 

Rev. Isaac Rogers 1 61 

Major Edward I. Mkrrili 209 

Hon. Frederic C. Perkins 249 

Music Hall Block 258 

Hon. Hiram Belcher 277 

Nathaniel Cothren, Es(,) 2S8 

Residence of D. W. Austin 299 

Rev. Jacob Abbott 352 

Alexander H. Akuott, A. M 359 

Rev. John Allen 365 

GEOR(iE F. Blake, Esi) 390 

Hon. Francis G. Butler 404 

Col. James Butterfield 413 

Hon. Alvan Currier 447 

Hon. Nathan Cutler 451 

Thcjmas McL. Davis, Ks(j 459 

Hon. Joseph W. F.mruanks 470 

Francis Kxowlton, Esi,) 51S 

Dr. Ebenezer C. Mii.liken 531 

George W. Norton, 1''.si,i 543 

Hon. Thomas Parker 547 

Charles B. Russell, Es<.) 567 

Capp. Peter P. Tufps 599 



INTRODUCTION. 



Location. — Water Courses. — Surface. — Soil. — Geology. — Timber. — Wild 
Animals. — Scenery. 

Farmington, the shire town of Franklin County, Maine, 
is situated in the valley of the Sandy River, thirty-six miles 
northwest from Augusta, eighty miles north from Portland, 
and eighty miles west from Bangor. Its exact latitude, as 
determined by Dr. Jackson's survey, is 44° 42' 30" north. 
Its longitude east of Washington is 6° 55'. It is bounded 
on the north by Strong and New Vineyard, on the east by 
Industry and New Sharon, on the south by Chesterville, 
from which it is divided by the Wilson Stream and Sandy 
River, and on the west by Wilton and Temple. Its extreme 
length is ten miles, and its average width four and one-half 
miles. 

Farmington is naturally divided into two portions by the 
Sandy River, which flows diagonally through the township 
from northwest to southeast. It enters the town on its 
northern boundary some five hundred and seventy-five rods 
from the western limit, and passes into New Sharon about a 
half a mile west of the southeast corner. Directly or 
through its tributaries it thus drains every portion of the 
territory. This river takes its rise in those highlands which 
divide the waters flowing into the Kennebec from those 
which fall into the Androscoggin River. The western or 



14 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

principal branch has its headwaters in the Sandy River 
Ponds, two small bodies of water lying south of Mt. Saddle- 
back. Thence it flows in a southeastern direction through 
Letter E Plantation and Madrid, enters Phillips, and unites 
with the eastern branch, which takes its rise in and about 
the gorges of Mt. Abraham. It continues southerly through 
Phillips, Avon, Strong, and P'armington. P>om Farmington 
P'alls it takes an eastern course, and flows through New 
Sharon, Mercer, and Stark in a nearly northeastern direction, 
emptying into the Kennebec River fifteen miles east of the 
northwest corner of the town of P'armington. It has five 
principal tributaries. The Porter Mill Stream enters the 
river at Strong village. The Fairbanks Mill Stream takes 
its rise as two branches in the New Vineyard mountains, one 
of which forms a small pond near the line between Industry 
and Farmington, the waters of which discharge themselves 
in a beautiful cascade some sixty feet in height. This 
stream enters the river a short distance below the Fairbanks 
bridge. The Temple Stream, a picturesque rivulet, drains 
the Temple mountains, flows over a rocky bed through the 
western quarter of the town, and discharges itself about half 
a mile below the village at West P'armington. The largest 
tributary to the river is known as the Wilson Stream, and is 
the outlet of the Wilson and Varnum Ponds in Wilton. It 
flows in a southeast direction, receives the Little Norridge- 
wock Stream about one and a half miles from its mouth, 
thence takes an eastern course, dividing Farmington from 
Chesterville, and finds an outlet near P^armington P'alls. On 
this stream are some of the best mill-sites in the State. 
Muddy Brook, the outlet of Clear Water Pond, enters the 
river near the village of New Sharon. 

Besides the main tributaries, several smaller streams and 
brooks enter the river and its branches. These, together 
with numerous surface and underground springs, supply 
every farm and family with abundant water. 

The Sandy River is peculiar for the sudden and enormous 
rises of its waters. Draining as it does a large mountain- 
ous territory, upon which snows fall to a great depth and 



INTRODUCTION. 1 5 

rain falls heavily, it is not infrequent to see this small stream 
increase in a sing;le night to a rushing, roaring torrent in 
some places a half a mile in width. The natural course of 
the river being serpentine, these constantly recurring fresh- 
ets serve to wash away the banks, and to form new deposits 
in the bends of its course. Thus the river has changed its 
path from year to year, and in many cases flows in quite 
different channels from those of a hundred years ago. In- 
deed, in the great freshet of 1869, it cut for itself in the 
town of Phillips an entire new course for a distance of nearly 
a mile. 

Although the surface of Farmington is undulating and 
even hilly, no considerable elevation is found within its 
borders, as is the case with many of the surrounding towns. 
The plain of the Center Village lies four hundred and thir- 
teen feet above the sea-level, and four hills — Porter's Hill 
and Voter's Hill on the west side of the river, and Cowan's 
Hill and Mosher's Hill on the east side — rise from two to 
three hundred feet above the plain. The river is skirted on 
both sides by belts of interval of greater or less width, from 
which the land ascends in undulating slopes and in places in 
high ridges. The surface of these different elevations pre- 
sents every variety of soil for cultivation. The intervals, for 
the extent and beauty of which the town is famed, embrace 
an area of some two thousand acres on the borders of the 
river and larger streams. These lands are overflowed by the 
annual freshets, and, thus kept constantly enriched, are 
probably the most fertile lands within the borders of the 
State. The soil is a rich, sandy loam, originally covered by 
a hard-wood growth. Back from the interval on the east 
side of the river lies a sand-belt, a warm, quick soil entirely 
free from stones, which the early settlers found clothed with 
hr, spruce, hemlock, and some cedar. On the higher lands 
the soil is a heavy loam, somewhat stony, but productive. 
The highest ridges are especially adapted to grazing. It is a 
remarkable fact that the town contains no waste land. 
P2very lot as originally surveyed is cultivated as a farm. No 
mountain, no pond, no bog, no swamp, no extent of ledge is 
to be found within the township. 



1 6 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

The geology of Farmington presents no s1?riking features. 
The general formation is gneiss, varied with mica schist and 
some patches of granite. An inferior quality of limestone is 
found, but the attempts to work it for profit have proved 
unsuccessful. Superior slate, however, has been discovered, 
and a quarry opened. 

When the town was first visited by white men, its whole 
surface was heavily clothed with forests of both hard and 
soft wood. Only two small meadows appeared, the result of 
beaver-dams. The most common tree is the rock or sugar 
maple. White maple, yellow and white birch, beech and 
ash, fir, spruce, and hemlock also abound. Cedar is not 
plenty ; but little pine is found, and hardly an oak is seen 
within the limits of the town. 

The wild animals are much the same as those of other 
parts of the State. The fiercer animals, as the bear and the 
wolf, have long since disappeared, although a gray wolf was 
killed in the northern section of the town as late as Febru- 
ary, 1844. The otter, too, has sought more retired surround- 
ings, and some sixty years have passed since the last beaver 
rewarded the hunter's toil. Foxes are still abundant, and 
many are taken each winter. Mink, although not as plenty 
as formerly, are still captured upon the borders of the 
brooks, and muskrats are found in abundance. The hare, 
the cony rabbit, the woodchuck, the gray and red squirrels, 
and the chipmunk inhabit the forests, and occasionally the 
boys wake a porcupine in his hole. Weasels and raccoons 
also occasionally appear to harass the farmer's chickens or 
steal his corn. 

In former times the river and streams of the town 
teemed with fish. Salmon and alewives were taken in great 
quantities by the early settlers. But with the building of 
dams they disappeared. Few salmon have been taken since 
1795 ; probably none since 1820. Pickerel and eels are still 
taken in the river and its tributaries, and in smaller streams 
the sportsmen may cast a fly for the speckled beauties, the 
brook trout. 

No description of the physical features of Farmington 



INTRODUCTION. 1 7 

would be complete without reference to the beauty of its 
scenery. The broad belts of green interval, with here and 
there glimpses of the river winding and glistening like a 
silver thread, the hills above with the blue background of 
the distant mountains, Mt. Blue towering like a sentinel 
above them all, — combine to form as fair a picture as New 
England can boast. 



CHAPTER I. 

EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 

Indians. — Hunters and Trappers. — Earliest Explorations. — Plymouth Pa- 
tent. — Reuben Colburn and his Associates. — North's Survey. — Meetings 
of Associates. — Later ?l\plorers. — Petition for a Road. — First Settlers. 
— Pierpole. 

The explorers who first came to Sandy River Valley 
found a small tribe of Indians at Messee Contee (herring- 
place), the spot now known as Farmington Falls. At the 
time the settlers came, in 1781, the tribe had dwindled to 
two families, that of Pierpole and that of Philips. Philips 
soon left, but Pierpole remained for many years the friend 
and helper of the white man. It is probable that the Indians 
at P^armington P'alls were a branch of the Norridgewock 
tribe, which was broken up by the massacre under Captains 
Harmon and Moulton, Aug. 22, 1724. The remains of an 
Indian fort have been found, and from time to time in 
making excavations, skeletons, bones, arrowheads, and relics 
have been unearthed, the plain evidence of a burying-ground. 
While it is doubtful whether any tribe, or part of a tribe, had 
a permanent settlement at P'armington before the dispersion 
of the Norridgewocks, for aught known to the contrary the 
aborigines had enjoyed the hunting and fishing of the region 
for untold generations. 

When the first white man visited the valley is uncertain. 
Tradition tells us that its fertile lands were first made 
known to the outside world by a young man, captive to the 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 1 9 

Indians. During one of the many raids which the Indians 
made on the Narragansett townships, a youth by the name 
of Knights was taken prisoner at Gorham and brought by his 
captors into the Sandy River country. His hardships and- 
privations were such that he deemed death in trying to 
escape more desirable than captivity. With nothing to 
guide him but the stars, he set out to make his way through 
the wilderness to his home. The perilous journey was suc- 
cessfully made, and, carrying with him such accounts of the 
beauty and fertility of the region from which he came, he. 
induced some of the bold spirits among his friends to explore 
the country for themselves. It is also said that a New 
Hampshire woman was once held as a captive by the Indians 
at Farmington Falls. Years after having gained her liberty, 
coming to the place to visit some friends who had settled 
there, she at once recognized the spot as the scene of her 
captivity by a peculiar spring from which she had been 
accustomed to draw water. How much truth is contained in 
these traditions it is difficult at this distance in time to 
determine. There is nothing inherently improbable in them, 
neither are there any facts to confirm them. Certain it is, 
however, that hunters and trappers had been accustomed to 
visit the valley long before it was explored for purposes of 
settlement. Among the earliest of these hunters were 
Thomas Wilson of Topsham and a Mr. Scott of Winthrop. 
It was under the guidance of Wilson that the first explorers 
came into the township. Attracted by the glowing descrip- 
tion given of the region by the hunters, a party from Tops- 
ham, consisting of Stephen Titcomb, Robert Gower, James 
Henry, Robert Alexander, James M'Donnell, together with 
Wilson, came to Sandy River in 1776 with a view of making 
a settlement. The party came up the Kennebec River in 
canoes as far as Hallowell, which was generally known at 
that time by the Indian name of " Bombahook." From 
Hallowell they proceeded on foot through the sparsely- 
settled district to Mr. Rumford Smith's, who had settled and 
built a log-house a little east of what is now known as Read- 
field Corner, but which was then Winthrop. Leaving Mr. 



20 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Smith's, the last house on the route, they proceeded by 
compass a west-northwest course, supposing this course 
would bring them near to what is now Farmington Falls, 
from which place they could readily find the " great inter- 
val," the object of their pilgrimage. But the course they 
took carried them too far east, and they struck the river 
near where New Sharon village is now located. There 
they crossed the river and continued along its northern bank 
some five miles to the southeastern boundary of the 
•Tufts farm, now (1884) owned by the heirs of the late Peter 
Manter. Here they built a camp, and proceeded to make 
the necessary explorations to enable them wisely to deter- 
mine where and how they should locate their farms. They 
finally decided to begin at the southern line of the Tufts 
farm, and, using basswood bark as a substitute for a chain, 
they located six lots one hundred rods in width. After 
completing their survey, they divided the lands thus located 
between them by lot, and returned to Topsham to procure 
tools and provisions necessary to begin a chopping, under an 
agreement to return in two weeks for this purpose. At the 
time agreed the party ascended the Kennebec in batteaux to 
the mouth of the Cobbosse-contee Stream, which enters the 
river at Gardiner, and, carrying round the falls, followed the 
stream until they came to the Indian " great carrying-place," 
which leads to Winthrop Great Pond, now known as Lake 
Maranocook, which they ascended to South Pond, to a spot 
near where Winthrop village is situated. Thence they 
carried to the pond near Readfield Corner, thence up Bog 
Stream to Greeley's Pond, and, carrying a mile to Parker's 
Pond, they crossed the pond and carried from it to Norcross' 
Pond, which lies in the western part of Chesterville. Fol- 
lowing its waters into the Little Norridgewock and Wilson 
Streams, they came into the Sandy River near the falls. 
They arrived on their first visit the twenty-fifth of May. It 
was doubtless the last of June or the first of July when the 
first trees fell. Each man made a chopping on the lot he 
had drawn, and, after exploring the country more extensively 
than at their first visit, descended the Sandy and Kennebec 
Rivers to Topsham. 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 21 

While the Topsham party was exploring the region, other 
persons were looking toward the Sandy River valley for a 
home ; and hunters and trappers still made their annual 
visits. It was their usual custom to come in the early 
autumns and return to their homes upon the approach of 
winter. But in the autumn of 1779 two hunters from Win- 
throp, Stewart Foster and Ephraim Allen, came prepared to 
spend the winter. They encamped near the river some two 
hundred rods above where Fairbanks bridge now stands, on 
the farm familiarly known as the John Clayton farm. An 
abundance of fur, including moose, beaver, otter, mink, and 
sable, rewarded their labor. In the spring they made a dug- 
out, and, putting their furs on board, went down the river to 
the Kennebec, and thence to their homes. They are the 
first white men known to have passed a winter in what is 
now Franklin County. 

As from year to year up to the time the first families 
moved into the plantation, in 1781, several parties were 
taking up lands and making improvements in various parts 
of the township, an important question began to be agitated 
regarding the ownership of the lands and negotiations for 
their purchase. It was understood that the Kennebec pa- 
tentees claimed the lands in the plantation, but it was also 
understood that the boundaries of their patent had not been 
permanently defined. As the boundaries of this patent 
engrossed so much attention, and for so long a period, in the 
central part of the State, and were so closely interwoven 
with the first survey and settlement of Farmington, involving 
as it did the question of title to the lands, a brief history of 
this Plymouth or Kennebec Patent is here given. 

Among the many grants of land made by King James I. 
was one given in 1629 to the Council of Devon in England, 
and by this council in the same year granted to William 
Bradford and his associates, who were themselves of the 
Pilgrims, " of all that tract of land lying in and between and 
extending itself from the utmost limits of the Cobbosse-con- 
tee, which adjoineth the River Kennebec, towards the West- 
ern Ocean and the falls of [Nequamkike (unknown)], and the 



22 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

space of fifteen miles on each side of the said River Kenne- 
bec ; " and under this grant the Plymouth Company claimed 
the lands from the mouth of Kennebec River to Caratunk 
Falls, a distance of some one hundred miles. In 1640 Brad- 
ford and his associates surrendered this grant on the Kenne- 
bec River to all the freemen of the colony of New Plymouth. 
The Plymouth Company during its ownership never made 
any vigorous efforts to settle the land themselves. Al- 
though they built three forts as a protection against Indian 
incursions and sent magistrates into the territory, they were 
too feeble to govern and protect a distant colony. This 
Company, however, during its ownership and occupation, 
derived considerable yearly income from leasing the right to 
take sturgeon, salmon, and shad within the limits of their 
patent ; but difficulties surrounded them on every side, and, 
annoyed by the vexation which this property had given 
them, they sold the whole patent, in 1661, together with the 
additions which had been made to it by purchases from the 
Indians, to Antipas Boies, Edward Tyng, Thomas Brattle, 
and John Winslow for the sum of ^400 sterling. The legal 
designation thereafterwards became the " Proprietors of the 
Kennebec purchase of the late colony of New Plymouth." 
The title to the patent thus acquired by the grantees lay 
dormant for a period of eighty-eight years from 1661 to 1749, 
when the heirs, devisees, and assigns began to take some 
steps to organize a company to promote the settlement of 
their patent ; but the question of boundaries was still unset- 
tled and vexatious. The controversy with Clarke and Lake, 
who claimed under Indian deeds, was settled in 1758, by 
which on the east side of Kennebec River the northern line 
of the present town of Woolwich was made the south boun- 
dary of the patent. The second claim of the Wiscasset 
Company, also under Indian deeds, was finally settled by 
compromise in 1762. The third settlement was with the 
Pejepscot patentees, by which the northern line of the town 
of Topsham was made the south boundary of the patent, and 
the west line was to run fifteen miles from Kennebec River. 
This compromise between the respective patentees was made 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 23 

in 1766. The fourth settlement was with the Pemaquid 
patentees, who claimed under a grant from the Plymouth 
Company. It was finally agreed between the Plymouth 
patentees and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that the 
north line of the patent should be the Wesserunset Stream, 
which joins the Kennebec a little below the village of Nor- 
ridgewock, and by subsequent arrangement and consent was 
made to include the whole of the present town of Norridge- 
wock. The patent as thus established extended from Merry- 
meeting Bay to and including the town of Norridgewock, 
and was about thirty miles wide, with the Kennebec River 
in the center, and included Bath and Phippsburg on the west 
side of the river, which were ceded to the Kennebec paten- 
tees by the Pejepscot proprietors in the compromise of 1762. 
The meetings of the Company continued to be held regularly 
from 1749 to 18 16, when they sold the balance of their lands 
in Boston at auction in 18 16, and the company dissolved. 

The boundaries of the patent being now permanently 
established, the patentees and in fact every one supposed 
that the Sandy River township would fall within the limits 
of their patent, and, as very flattering accounts had gone 
forth of its broad intervals, its deep and fertile soil and 
heavy timber, settlers were rapidly attracted within its 
borders. On the 17th of December, 1777, an association 
was formed at Hallowell between Topsham and Hallowell 
explorers, known as " the Proprietors of a township on Sandy 
River." The association afterwards became known as that 
of " Reuben Colburn and his associates." Mr. Colburn, who 
resided at Pittston, was regarded as a man of excellent 
business capacity. He came from Dunstable, Mass., and 
was the Major Colburn who accompanied General Ai-nold in 
his disastrous expedition to Quebec in 1775, being in com- 
mand of the company of carpenters who formed a portion of 
the invading forces. At another meeting of the associates, 
held July 28, 1778, at Amos Pollard's hotel in that part of 
Hallowell now Augusta, after the choice of a clerk, treasurer, 
and a committee of three, it being now understood at this 
meeting that the township of Sandy River would fall within 



24 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

the limits of the Kennebec patent, this committee was 
instructed to open negotiations for a grant to Colburn and 
his associates of a township on Sandy River, the west line 
of which should be fifteen miles from Kennebec River and 
parallel thereto. It does not appear that the committee 
made any progress in obtaining the grant during the year ; 
and at another meeting of Colburn and his associates, also 
held at Pollard's hotel, on the 24th of May, 1779, the commit- 
tee was instructed to make further proposals to the Kenne- 
bec proprietors, and if possible to obtain the grant of the 
township. 

It appears by an agreement made at Boston on the 4th 
of October, 1779, and by a subsequent amendment to this 
agreement made March 3, 1780, by and between James 
Bowdoin, Daniel Jeffries, James Hewing, and John Hancock 
on the part of the Kennebec proprietors, and by the commit- 
tee on the part of Reuben Colburn and his associates, that 
Colburn and his associates on their part should cause a 
survey to be made of the township of Sandy River by first 
taking the courses and distances between the angles of 
Kennebec River below the mouth of the Sandy River for a 
distance of some ten miles, and then to begin at the mouth 
of said river and run west by compass fifteen miles, and there 
make a corner, which is the northwest corner of the present 
town of Farmington, and was a basswood tree marked 
" K. 15 M." to denote that was fifteen miles west of Kenne- 
bec River. Mr. Colburn and his associates employed Joseph 
North, Esq., of Pittston, to make the survey, and his plan, 
now before the writer, is made upon an untanned sheepskin, 
and, although considerably tattered and torn, is still very 
legible, and thus describes the exterior boundaries of the 
township : 

Beginning at the said basswood tree, being the northwest 
corner of the township ; thence south two miles to a tree marked 
K. 15 M. ; thence south 13° east three miles to a tree marked 
K. 15 M. ; thence south 24° east three miles to a hemlock tree 
marked ; thence south 35*^ east two miles one hundred and four- 
teen rods to a hemlock tree marked K. 15 M.; thence north 67° 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 25 

east one mile and one hundred and ninety rods to the junction of 
the Little Norridgewock with the Wilson Stream ; thence down the 
stream to its mouth; thence down Sandy River about half a mile 
to a maple tree marked ; thence north eight miles and tifty-six rods 
to a beech tree marked with a marking-iron ^-^-^ thence west 
five miles and two hundred rods to the place of beginning. 

At the time of the incorporation of the town, the course 
bounded by Wilson Stream had been changed to north 49° 
east one mile and ninety rods, but now stands as originally 
surveyed by North. Stone monuments have since been 
placed at the several corners and angles of the town and on 
most roads crossing its exterior limits. Mr. North's plan 
bears the following certificate upon its margin : 

This plan is made by a scale of 163 poles to one inch; the 
lots fronting on the river is 60 poles wide and one mile and one 
fourth in length. Those marked P. is for proprietors and those 
marked S. for settlers. This plan was made from a careful survey 
of the river. 

JOSEPH NORTH, Surveyor. 

PiTTSTON, June 20, 1780. 

It hardly seems possible that Mr. North could have 
accomplished the survey between March 3 and June 20, 
1780, for he must during this time have taken the course of 
the Kennebec River and run the fifteen-mile line to the 
northwest corner of the township and thence around it ; he 
must have taken a careful survey of the Sandy River and 
lotted the township as delineated by his plan, and have done 
all this through an unbroken forest. But the explanation is 
that in lotting the township he did nothing more than to 
measure and mark the width of the lots on the river and 
possibly to run the range-lines, and then with scale and 
dividers made the plan submitted to his employers, leaving 
the side lines of the lots to be run in the future. There is a 
difference in the width of the river lots in the town which 
has been much discussed, but never explained. Very few of 
the river lots measure just sixty rods, for the proprietors' 
lots generally measure fully sixty-two rods upon the river. 



26 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

while the settlers' lots measure two rods less, and one or 
more river lots measure seventy rods in width, while some 
others measure less than fifty. Mr. North by his plan 
numbers the river lots on the east side of the river by com- 
mencing on the northern line of the township with No. i, a 
gore lot, and thence consecutively to No. 51, at the south 
line of the township. On the west side of the river he 
began No. i, the first lot below the mill lot, which he marks 
M., and thence southerly to the Wilson Stream, ending with 
No. 22. Then beginning at the north line of the township 
with No. 22, he numbers consecutively to No. 48, ending at 
the mill lot. 

That portion of the township not embraced in the river 
lots Mr. North delineated on his plan as surveyed into alter- 
nate lots of 200 and 250 acres each. The former are marked 
S. for settlers' lots, and the latter P. for proprietors' lots. 
He also located a 200-acre lot near the center of the town- 
ship for the first settled minister, and another lot adjoining 
of 250 acres for the use of the ministry, both of which are 
marked M. He also laid out a lot on the west side of the 
river on the mill stream 150 rods in width and 300 rods long, 
and also marked M., the same to be appropriated for the 
encouragement of building a saw and grist mill for the 
accommodation of the inhabitants. A goring lot on the east 
side of the river between lots 29 and 30 is also marked M., 
denoting that that was set apart for the first settled minister 
or for the use of the ministry. 

Mr. North kept a field-book during his survey, carefully 
noting the generally topography of the township, the growth 
of timber, the quality of the soil, the courses of the streams 
and brooks tributary to the river, and returned this field-book 
together with his plan to the associates in June, 1780. 

The survey of Mr. North was made in pursuance of the 
agreement completed March 3, 1780, between the proprietors 
of the Kennebec purchase and Mr. Colburn and his associ- 
ates, and was mutually satisfactory. The survey was re- 
turned to the clerk of the Kennebec patentees, who very 
generously decided to admit all applicants for settlers' lots, 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 27 

upon the condition that they should perform certain settlers' 
duties, to wit : build a house not less than twenty feet square 
and seven feet in the stud, clear five acres of land within 
three years, and actually live on the premises during three 
years, or, in case of death of the settler, his heirs or some 
one under them to complete the term of residence, he or 
some one under him likewise to reside on the premises seven 
years longer, and work on the ministerial lot or on a house 
for the public worship of God two days in each year for ten 
years when required by the committee of the proprietors or 
their agent. They also were to work two days in each year 
upon the public roads until the township should be incorpo- 
rated into a town : each settler likewise agreeing to submit 
in municipal affairs to the decisions of a majority, as ex- 
pressed at any public meeting called in pursuance of a code 
of by-laws which had been adopted. An arrangement was 
made by the settlers that a back settler's lot and a front 
settler's lot should constitute a right in the township, and 
they chose a committee to couple them according to quality 
and draw them by lot, which they did on the 17th of May, 
1780. Certain settlers, however, who had commenced and 
made improvements on particular lots, were exempted from 
this mode of division, and permitted to retain the lots they 
had previously selected. The result of the division of lots 
was recorded in a book kept by the clerk of the associates 
for this purpose, and agreeable to a vote of the associates all 
conveyances of lots were to be recorded by their clerk in his 
book. 

The first meeting of Colburn and his associates held in 
the township was on Oct. 15, 1783, at the house of Samuel 
Butterfield, where the meetings were afterwards held so long 
as they continued to transact business. At this meeting 
they chose Samuel Kullen moderator, Nehemiah Blodgett 
clerk, Peter Corbett treasurer, and Reuben Colburn, Samuel 
Butterfield, and Nathaniel Davis a committee who were 
empowered to employ a surveyor and complete the survey of 
the township as soon as practicable. The next meeting was 
held May 12, 1785, which was organized by choosing Samuel 



28 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Biillen moderator, Solomon Adams clerk, Peter Corbett 
treasurer, and Samuel Bullen, Solomon Adams, and Nehe- 
miah Blodgett committee for the year, who were instructed 
to settle with Joseph North and Solomon Adams for com- 
pleting the survey of the township. Samuel Butterfield, 
Church Brainard, and Solomon Adams were appointed a 
committee to dispose of lots on which the dividends had 
not been paid. This meeting adjourned to the first Wednes- 
day in March, 1786, when it was voted to make an assess- 
ment of one pound on each right for the repair of roads, to 
be paid in labor at four shillings a day. Seth Greeley and 
Church Brainard were chosen surveyors to see the money 
expended and make returns to the committee. Samuel 
Butterfield, Solomon Adams, and Samuel Bullen were chosen 
agents to obtain valid titles to their lots, but it does not 
appear that anything was done to secure the fee of the land 
until February, 1790, nor were any records kept of the 
doings of the Associates. . In 1789 the long-pending and 
bitter controversy between the Kennebec patentees and the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts was adjusted. The paten- 
tees represented that they had granted large tracts of land 
to settlers to induce them to settle upon their patent, and 
had expended $150,000 in the erection of forts, buildings, 
etc., which had enhanced the value of the lands belonging to 
the State ; and they were therefore very unwilling to release 
the Sandy River township, but were finally forced to do so. 
The State, however, assumed the contract with Colburn and 
his associates, which contract is fully set out in a resolve of 
the General Court hereinafter recited. The State on its 
part ceded to the Kennebec proprietors a strip of land lying 
north of their patent, beginning at the northeast corner of the 
Sandy River township, thence running north one and one-half 
miles, thence east parallel with the north line of the patent 
thirty miles, thence south one and one-half miles to the 
northeast corner of the patent, a territory equal to one and 
one-quarter townships. It also ceded the township of Plym- 
outh, six miles square, situated in the vicinity of Moosehead 
Lake, as a final adjustment of a vexatious controversy. 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 29 

From 1776 to 1781, when the first famiUes moved into 
the township, we have reason to believe that many persons 
visited the valley with a view to purchase or settlement, but 
who they were can only be conjectured. That Colburn and 
his associates were the foremost in these explorations we 
have reason to believe. It was December 17, 1777, that the 
association of the Proprietors of Sandy River Township was 
formed between Topsham and Hallowell parties. That 
Hallowell explorers visited the township in the latter part of 
1776 or in 1777 seems therefore almost certain. Who these 
Hallowell parties were we have now little authentic means 
of knowing. Reuben Colburn was the leader, and associated 
with him, at an earlier or later date, were Samuel Bullen, 
Nehemiah Blodgett, Peter Corbett, Nathaniel Davis, David, 
Ephraim, and James Cowan. The following petition, lodged 
in the Secretary's office in Boston, is probably the earliest 
document extant relating to the history of Farmington. Its 
signers without doubt include the names of many of those 
who visited the township with a view to settlement. 

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Massachusetts 

Bay : — 

Humbly Shows James Cowen of a place called Sanday River 
in the County of Lincoln that he and the persons whose names are 
herein Inserted have been making a Settlement up on said Sanday 
River and are very desireous of carrying the Same on with vigor 
and Industry and beg leave to suggest to your Honors that the 
opening the Wilderness and turning the Desert Into Whealfields 
while it Supports Individuals is of great advantage to the publick 
and they therefore pray that your honors would Grant on such 
Conditions and at Such price as Justice and prudence shall (grant) 
to them the Said 

James Cowen Jonathan Whiting 

James Craig Adam Carson 

David McKnight Ephraim Cowen 

Joseph Webber George Cowen 

William Carson James Springer 

Kliab Shaw Emerson Smith 

Moses Airs Jonathan Devinport 



30 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Seth Greeley 
Sargeant Bishop 
Samuel Perhani 
John Shaw 
Moses Smith 
Elisha Smith 
David Corley [?] 
Peter Poshard 
David Bailey Cowen 
William Cowen 
John Stain 
Simeon Pain 
Daniel Cotter 
Jabez Clough 
Joseph Greeley 
Nathaniel Philbrook 
Lewis Webber 
Daniel Starnes 
Paul Wing 
Joseph Brown 
John Aud [?] 
Asa Barnes 
Edward Lin nan 
John Atkinson 
Solomon Clark 
Nathan Weston 
Caleb Weston 
Peter Batchelder 
Johnathan Gill 
John Adison 



John Moore 
Stephen Pooler 
Levi Powers 
Moses Wheeler 
Joseph Savage 
John Caten Cookson 
Gideon Gardner 
Jedediah Kilborn 
Abijah Fitch 
James Hutchurson 
Edward Springer 
Joseph Clough 
Phillip Straw 
Isaac Cowen 
Josiah Mitchell 
Samuel Boyd 
Samuel Cowen 
Elias Taylor 
Robert Keneday 
John Neal 
Mijah Usher 
Joshua Taylor 
Ebenezer Bancroft 
Oliver Cobourn 
Barnabas Baker 
Nathaniel Weston 
David Reed 
John Hopkins 
John Combs 
John Hanearson 



a tract of land beginning on Sandy River aforesaid where it 
empties itself into Little Norridgewock River adjoining to lands 
claimed by the plymouth company and fifteen Miles West from the 
River Kennebeck and so extending up said Sandy River twelve 
miles holding the breadth of three miles on each side thereof or 
however otherwise your honors Shall bound it. And they will ever 
Pray &c. 

Jan'y 28 1778. 

(Signed) JAMES COWEN 

In behalf of all the said Petitioners. 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 3 1 

The records of the association are not known to be in 
existence. They were produced in court at Augusta in 1816 
and admitted as evidence in the trial of the action Simeon 
Paine vs. Thomas and Timothy Johnson. The deposition of 
Solomon Adams, Esq., last clerk of the Associates, was 
taken in pcrpctuaiii, identifying the book. This being done 
agreeably to the directions of the Court, and the deposition 
recorded in the Registry of Deeds for Kennebec County and 
annexed to the book, it was directed that the book should be 
lodged in the Town Clerk's office for the use of the town or 
of any person who might have occasion to use it in defense 
of his title. The book is not among the documents of the 
town, and it is doubtful whether it was ever deposited as 
directed. 

While Hallowell parties were thus making explorations, 
Stephen Titcomb and Robert Gower were pushing steadily 
forward improvements on the lots which they had select- 
ed. The land which the Topsham party chose and allotted 
between them, extending two miles above the bend in the 
river at the south line of the farm now owned by the heirs 
of Peter Manter, proved to be the choicest land in the valley 
of the river. Wilson, Henry, Alexander, and M'Donnell, 
the original explorers, either abandoned or sold their claims, 
and it is doubtful whether they did much toward their im- 
provement. In 1780 a party from Damariscotta came to the 
township, consisting of P'rancis Tufts and Jonathan Knowl- 
ton, who were brothers-in-law, and probably also Benjamin 
Blackstone and William Blackstone, who were also brothers- 
in-law of Tufts and Knowlton. Thomas Hiscock, whose 
wife was a sister of Mr. Knowlton, may have been of the 
party, as well as Benjamin Weathren. Mr. Tufts purchased 
of one Knights the southern lot selected by the Topsham 
party, and began a clearing, while Mr. Knowlton commenced 
on the lot directly across the river. The same year Nehe- 
miah Blodgett and Samuel Bullen, two of the Associates, 
began improvements, Blodgett on the farm now (1884) 
owned by Hon. George Gower, which was one of the aban- 
doned claims, and Bullen on the lot known as the Case 



32 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

place. Joseph Brown, who probably acted under rights 
gained from the Associates at the same time, took up the lot 
above the village now owned by T. F. Belcher and D. V. B. 
Ormsby. During the same year William Gower, eldest son 
of Robert Gower, began a clearing on the farm now occupied 
by Luther Gordon and others on the west side of the river. 
At the close of the year 1780, therefore, improvements were 
begun on eight different lots. Stephen Titcomb had built a 
comfortable log-house, had gathered and stored a good crop 
of corn, potatoes, and turnips, and determined to bring his 
family to pass the winter as the first settlers in the wilder- 
ness. He left Topsham with his family Dec. 20, 1780, but, 
being overtaken by heavy snows, they were unable to get 
through, and so were obliged to pass the winter in Readfield, 
as is fully described in the genealogical division of this work. 

The year 1780 closed, and left the forest of the valley of 
the Sandy River, as it had been for ages, uninhabited by 
the white man. But one fire might have been seen burning, 
and its smoke wreathing above the trees. The Indian Pier- 
pole, undismayed by the approach of the white man, still 
remained, the last of a race who had once held undisputed 
sway over these hunting-grounds. So closely connected was 
he with the fortunes of the early settlers, and so many are 
the traditions concerning him, that it seems fitting to gather 
together here all that is known of this noble red man. 

It was supposed by the early settlers that Pierpole was 
one of the Norridgewock tribe, although some thought him 
to be a Penobscot Indian. It is unquestionable, however, 
that he belonged neither to the Norridgewock nor to the 
Penobscot tribe, but to the Androscoggins. The Maine 
Historical Society has among its papers (Vol. iii., p. 333) a 
deposition of Pierpole taken before William Reed, Esq., of 
Strong, in 1793, in a suit instituted to determine the boun- 
daries of certain lands lying about the lower part of the 
Androscoggin River. The point to be ascertained was what 
part of the river was called Pejepscot, and Pierpole, with 
other Indians, was called as an expert upon the question. 
No explanation can be given of calling him to testify in this 



PIERPOLE. 33 

suit except his familiarity with the river, a famiharity which 
could have been gained only as a member of the tribe whose 
home was on that river. His deposition is very exact in its 
language, and his mark, a rude drawing of a moose, boldly 
executed. Being an Androscoggin Indian, it may seem 
difficult to account for the fact that when first known to the 
white man he had thrown in his lot with the Norridgewocks. 
It is probable that having fixed his affections on the dark- 
eyed Hannah Susup, a daughter of the Norridgewocks, he 
abandoned his friends for hers. A fanciful story has been 
told, that Pierpole was a captive to the Norridgewocks, and 
was liberated by Hannah, who fled with him, but it is not 
known to have any basis in fact, or reliable tradition. The 
fair Hannah is reported to have possessed more than her 
share of the proud spirit and evil temper which were the 
birthright of the Norridgewocks. Throughout the State 
they were known as warlike and cruel, and gave more trouble 
to the early settlers than most of the other tribes. Pierpole, 
on the other hand, was a most kindly disposed man, gentle 
and religious. In addition to her high-mettled blood, Han- 
nah held, for those days, advanced opinions of the impor- 
tance of the woman in the family. Her first daughter she 
called Molly Pierpole, but in the second she insisted the 
name of the illustrious house of Susup should be perpetuated, 
and she accordingly called her Molly Susup. Both these 
daughters were married before leaving Sandy River. Among 
the earliest records on the books of the town, are these 
entries : 

Jan. 24, 1798. I joined in marriage Mr. Heaton Oilman and 
Moly Susup Pearpole, two Indians, both of No. 3. 

(Signed) MOSES STARLING. 

John Sebatas and Molley Pearpole, both of the Middletown, 
intend marriage, and were published in the town of Farmington, 
May 7, A. D. 1798. 

(Signed) SOLOMON ADAMS, Town Clerk. 

Oilman was a Penobscot Indian, but who Sebatas was 
is not known ; but his name would seem to indicate that he 



34 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

belonged to the Androscoggins. Besides these daughters, 
two other daughters and two sons composed the family. 
The sons were Joseph Susup and Iganoose ; the daughters, 
Katie and Hannah Oppalunskie. Katie married a Penob- 
scot Indian by the name of Peter Mussel ; Iganoose and 
Oppalunskie died in Strong. 

As we have seen, Pierpole with his wife and children 
were living near the Falls when the first English settlers 
came, the last of the aborigines. They soon left and re- 
moved to a lot in Strong, reserved for Pierpole by the State 
of Massachusetts. This lot was situated on the northeast 
side of the river, just above the site of Strong bridge. Here 
he put up a framed house, the second in the town. For his 
well, he set a hollow log in a fountain in which a notch was 
chopped at a convenient distance for the water to flow into 
his bucket. The trout and salmon in the river, and the wild 
game which could always be brought to his feet by the 
unerring aim of his gun, constituted his chief living. But 
he cultivated a small piece of land, and adopted many of the 
methods of his white neighbors. It is said that he knew 
where lead could be found in Day Mountain ; that he made 
from it his bullets ; but never revealed the spot. His rela- 
tions with the inhabitants were most pleasant, and in the 
earlier days of their hardships he rendered them essential 
service. There is a tradition which is probably authentic, 
that he came from Strong to Farmington on snow-shoes in a 
blinding storm, to obtain a physician for the wife of a settler 
in Freeman. Hannah, on the contrary, never regarded the 
English with favor. To her they were interlopers and she 
maintained toward them a sullen and surly demeanor. Never- 
theless she made herself useful by manufacturing birch-bark 
utensils of most skilful workmanship, some of which are still 
in existence. Notwithstanding the kind feelings which Pier- 
pole manifested toward the new comers, it is probable that as 
the settlements grew he felt crowded. Like all his race, he 
shrank from too close contact with white men and from the 
changes wrought by civilization. Towards the close of the 
century he began to make preparations for departure, being 



PiERPOLE. 3^ 

hastened, it is said, by the death of his youngest and best- 
loved child, Hannah Oppalunskie. This child he believed 
dwelt under the curse of God, because she had never been 
baptized. Once he carried her to the Penobscot that the 
ceremony might be performed, but in the absence of the 
priest, was obliged to return without accomplishing his 
object. Soon after, the child sickened and died. As her 
breath left her body, the report of her father's gun was heard 
discharged with its muzzle towards the sky, according to 
an Indian custom. Before her burial it is said that Pierpole 
cut off her hand that he might convey it to the priest for 
the blessing which the child herself had failed to receive. 

The traditionary grave of the little Oppalunskie is pointed 
out in the old burying-ground on the elevation above the 
David F. Hunter farm in Strong. A cedar tree is bent over 
it and there fastened, forming a bower to prevent the touch 
of careless feet. This tree, tradition has it, Pierpole first 
planted, and upon its death it was replaced by a thoughtful 
visitor who remembered the love of the old Indian for his 
little daughter. 

Pierpole also lost a son, after the settlement of the valley. 
This death occurring in summer, he smoked the body in the 
chimney until winter set in, when he conveyed it on a sled 
to Canada that it might be interred according to the rites of 
the Roman Catholic Church. As may be inferred, he was a 
firm believer in that church. It has been said that he was 
accustomed to go each year to Canada, and carry his gifts to 
the priest and receive his benediction. 

It is a matter of dispute what time Pierpole finally left 
the Sandy River. Mr. William Allen, in his address before 
the Maine Historical Society, on the "Sandy River Settle- 
ment " (Vol. ]v., p. 29), gives the date as 1797, but does not 
state his authority. Judge Parker, in his "History of Farm- 
ington"(p. 123), says he left in 1801. Probably neither of 
these dates is correct. The late Mr. Francis Knowlton was 
very clear in his recollection on this point. He said he 
remembered as a boy standing on the bank of the river, while 
the church at l^armington P'alls was being raised, and seeing 



36 HISTORY OF farmington: 

Pierpole with his family come down the river in birch-bark 
canoes. They made a landing near the old Indian settle- 
ment, pitched a tent, and stayed several days, then re- 
embarked and without bidding a friend good-by or saying a 
word as to their destination, paddled down the river beyond 
the sight and knowledge of man. If Mr. Knowlton was 
correct, this fixes the date of his departure as 1799. His 
family at this time could have consisted only of one son and 
his married daughters and their husbands. Two of his 
daughters, as we have seen, were married in 1798, and it 
would seem probable that their sturdy young husbands would 
soon wish a wider field for their hunting and gaming. Their 
destination has likewise been a matter of dispute. Regard- 
ing this point Mr. Knowlton disagrees with Mr. Allen, Judge 
Parker, and the commonly received tradition which makes 
Canada their objective point. Mr. Knowlton says Pierpole 
went to Passamaquoddy, and is most probably right in so 
saying. That he went to Canada seems improbable, for two 
reasons. Neither he nor his wife had any affiliations with 
the Canadian tribes of Indians ; nor was the route he took 
the natural route to Canada. He could have gone up the 
Kennebec to the Dead River, but many falls must be passed 
by long carries, and we have seen that he was perfectly well 
acquainted with the direct overland route to St. Francis. 
On the other hand, passing down the Kennebec, he would 
soon reach his early home and find his own people who had 
drifted to the eastward. Furthermore, his sons-in-law belong- 
ing to an eastern tribe, would naturally lead him in that 
direction. 

Pierpole is described by those who have seen him, as of 
medium height, broad in the shoulders, straight, strong and 
lithe. His features were comely, his eyes black and glowing. 
He always wore the dress of the aborigines, — a blanket and 
moccasins, with ornamentation of silver bracelets and a 
silver medal. Many attempts were made to induce him to 
adopt a European costume, but in vain. Once he progressed 
so far as to put on a pair of buckskin breeches, at the earnest 
solicitation of his friends, but the restraint was too great. 
"Too much fix um," said Pierpole. 



PIER POLE. 37 

As no record nor tradition is preserved to the contrary, 
it is not to be doubted but that Pierpole was acquainted with 
the Enghsh language at the time the first settlers arrived. 
We know that he was able to converse in that tongue, and if 
he had learned it of the settlers the fact would probably be 
known. Thus we have proof that he had associated with the 
English as he only could have done among the Androscog- 
gins. His son, Joseph Susup, is said to have learned to read 
and write from Supply Belcher, Esq. 

These facts are all that history or reliable tradition has 
preserved to us concerning this man, who was once the un- 
disputed proprietor of the hunting-grounds of the Sandy 
River. He came, no one knows whence ; he went, no one 
knows whither. Whether his descendants roam the Cana- 
dian forests, or fish off Grand Manan, who shall say .'* 



CHAPTER II. 

SETTLEMENTS FROM 1781 TO 1790. 

Arrival of the First Settlers. — Scarcity of Food. — Arrivals from Dunstable. 

— First Mill. — Crops. — Frost. — Great Freshet. — First Marriage. — 
First Framed House. — First Death. — Other Arrivals from Dunstable. 

— School Opened. — Inventory. — Purchase of the Township. 

The time chosen for the settlements on Sandy River was 
a peculiarly fortunate one. The war for Independence was 
nearing its close, and a new nation was springing into life 
with all the energy and intrepidity of youth. A continent 
had been won by arms, and was now to be subdued by the 
axe and plow. The disbanding of the army set free a multi- 
tude of brave men who were only too ready to beat their 
spears into pruning-hooks and their swords into plow-shares. 
The soldiers of our army, unlike the vicious, mercenary 
troops of the old country, were at heart simple, godly peas- 
ants, who loved peace and took up arms only at the call of 
duty. Moreover, in 1780, the Indian wars had well-nigh 
ceased. The Indians of Maine were of a more .savage type 
than their brothers in Massachusetts. The early history of 
many Maine towns, the settlement of which date back of the 
middle of the eighteenth century, is the history of terror 
and bloodshed from the treachery and cruelty of the aborig- 
ines. The settlers at a sea-coast town like Warren, or at a 
town but little removed from the sea, like Gorham, were 
harassed almost beyond endurance by constant depredations 
upon life and property. They lived in forts or stockades. 



SETTLEMENTS. 39 

with a gun for a companion by day and by night. It was not 
so with those who first came to Sandy River. They suffered 
neither from Indians, nor, from what is nearly as trying, the 
fear of Indians. The only savage to visit their camp-fires 
was Pierpole, their friend, whom they had reason to bless for 
his kindness and aid. 

1 78 1. The year 1781 opened and found the family of 
Stephen Titcomb snow-bound in Readfield. During the 
winter, however, Mr. Titcomb pushed through to the Sandy 
River on snow-shoes, and remained during the sugar season 
in the spring to make a supply of syrup and sugar for his 
family. As soon as the snow abated sufficiently to admit of 
passing with a team, he returned for his wife and children. 
On his way to Readfield, he met Joseph Brown and Nathan- 
iel Davis, who, with their wives, were finding their way from 
Winthrop to the new country. Mr. Brown had been in be- 
fore and made a beginning on river-lot No. 18, east side, but 
neither he nor Davis had a house prepared for the reception 
of their families, and they were obliged to occupy hunters' 
camps until a dwelling could be built. Mr. Davis settled on 
the lot of which Little Blue now forms a part, and Mr. 
Brown on a lot above the village. A few days after the 
entry of Brown and Davis, Mr. Titcomb came in with his ox- 
team, followed in a few days by his wife and family on pack- 
horses, accompanied by his brother, Samuel Titcomb. This 
was probably the last of April or first of May, and thus 
civilized life began in the future town of Farmington. 

The following summer was a distressing period, and 
almost the only distressing period in the settlement of the 
township. The ample supply of provisions with which Mr. 
Titcomb left Topsham, had been reduced in supplying the 
necessities of the family with which he abode in Readfield. 
The bears broke into his corn-crib during the winter, destroy- 
ing his store of corn, and even scented out and devoured 
the smoked salmon which he had buried. His potatoes 
and turnips were unharmed, and he was able to give seed 
to the new comers. No corn could be obtained nearer 
than Fort Western (Augusta), thirty miles away. It must 



40 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

be taken to Winthrop to be ground and brought home 
through the wilderness on the back, a bushel at a time. 
Potatoes were dug up after being planted, the eyes dug out 
and replanted, the rest eaten. Some lived for a time on 
greens, and all suffered for want of suitable food. In Aug- 
ust, when new potatoes could be dug, and a little later when 
green corn was ready for plucking, the wants of the little 
community were relieved ; and, with the exception of the 
summer of 1784, when breadstuff was scarce, owing to the 
frost of the previous year, lack of the necessities of life has 
been unknown on the Sandy River. As soon as the corn 
crop was gathered in the fall, mortars were prepared to crush 
the corn into samp, and thus the tedious journey to mill was 
avoided. In the course of the year, Nehemiah Blodgett and 
Jonathan Knowlton came with their families to take posses- 
sion of the lots they had selected the preceding year. In 
November, Samuel and Jonas Butterfield arrived from 
Dunstable, Mass., bringing their families and goods in wag- 
ons to Monmouth, and thence proceeded on horseback. 
They were the first of the long line of brave and patriotic 
sons of Dunstable to seek a home in the valley of the Sandy 
River, led hither, without doubt, by the representations of 
Colburn, who was, as has been stated, a native of that town. 
Samuel Butterfield chose river-lot No. 2, west side, while his 
brother entered below him on river-lot No. 18. As winter 
closed in, in January, 1782, Peter Corbett joined the little 
band of pioneers with his family, and thus made one of the 
eight families who first passed a winter in Farmington. He 
had previously selected river-lot No. 45, east side, one of the 
lots originally selected by the Topsham party. The size of 
these lots had been reduced by the survey of North, under 
the direction of the "Associates," in 1780, from one hundred 
rods to sixty rods front, and ran back one mile and one- 
fourth. The exterior and range lines only were run by 
North, and in 1 781, by vote of the "Associates," the survey 
of the side lines was begun. They also voted to build dur- 
ing the year, a bridge across Wilson Stream near the Falls, 
and a saw-mill and grist-mill for the better accommodation of 
the settlers. The saw-mill was put in operation on the 



SETTLEMENTS. 41 

Temple Stream, by Colburn and PuUen, in November, and 
during the winter the stones for the grist-mill were hauled 
from Winthrop. The saw-mill, although a rude affair, was 
yet of the greatest use to the inhabitants, and was the only 
help they had from machinery in building their houses for 
.the next eight years. The first log-huts were put up with 
the help of an axe alone, and though made comfortable by 
filling the cracks with moss and with birch-bark sheathing, 
were yet of the rudest construction. 

1782. Eight families — consisting as nearly as can be 
estimated, of thirty-nine persons, seventeen adults and 
twenty-two children — composed the little community at the 
beginning of this year. The crops of the preceding season, 
consisting mainly of corn and potatoes, had been good. One 
settler had also raised a little wheat. In August the grist- 
mill was put in operation, and thus the most pressing need 
of the settlers was supplied. Twelve new settlers arrived 
during the year ; most of them with families. Enoch Craig, 
who, with Gerret Burns, Calvin Edson, and Robert Kan- 
nady, had previously come from that part of Hallowell now 
Augusta, on an exploring expedition, now made a permanent 
settlement on the farm where his life was spent. William 
Kannady, probably a brother of Robert, made a beginning 
on the next lot below. Seth Greeley, with his brother 
Joseph, and Samuel Bullen, also moved in from Augusta 
during the year, Joseph Greeley settling on river-lot No. 26, 
east side, on which a part of the Center Village is built, and 
Seth selecting lot 24, above him, the same afterwards owned 
by Supply Belcher, Esq. Bullen located on the farm he had 
entered two years before. Ezekiel and Amos Page located 
about the same time on the Norton Flat, and Robert Jones 
on river-lot No. 13, east side. Massachusetts sent in during 
the year a second reinforcement. Jesse Butterfield joined 
his brothers and took up a lot between them — No. 16, on the 
west side. Solomon Adams arrived from Chelmsford, with 
his surveyor's instruments, ready to be of use in determining 
the boundaries in the new plantation. Ebenezer Sweet, near 
the same time, bought out the claim of Reuben Page to lot 
No. 27, where a part of the Center Village is now situated. 



42 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

On Nov. 14, the family of Stephen Titcomb welcomed a new- 
comer, in the person of the first child born in the wilderness, 
Stephen Titcomb, Jr. The next January, the second child, 
Samuel Knowlton, was born. With the little colony thus 
increasing, both from without and within, with good crops 
stored and yet brighter prospects for the future, the winter 
set in. 

1783. A serious calamity befell the settlers in the severe 
frost of Aug. 9 of this year. All the corn and wheat were 
killed, resulting in a scarcity of breadstuff. The first meet- 
ing of Colburn and his associates held in the township, met 
at the house of Samuel Butterfield, Oct. 15, 1783. At this 
meeting Samuel Bullen was chosen moderator, Nehemiah 
Blodgett clerk, and Peter Corbett treasurer, and Reuben 
Colburn, Samuel Butterfield, and Nathaniel Davis, a com- 
mittee. No important business, however, seems to have 
been transacted. Immigration continued to go steadily 
forward. An important addition was made to the settlement 
from Damariscotta, in the families of Francis Tufts, Benja- 
min Weathern, and Thomas Hiscock. Weathern and His- 
cock settled on adjoining lots, Nos. 7 and 8, west side. 
From the neighboring town of Bristol, came Jacob Eaton, his 
brother Joseph, and Moses Starling, who settled upon the 
mill lot. The other permanent settlers were, John Rice, on 
the west side, river-lot No. 37, and Benjamin Whittier, on 
lot No. 22 ; and on east side. Church Brainerd, who settled 
on river-lot 38, John Huston, on lot 17, and Simeon Russ, on 
lot 15. 

1784. This was an uneventful year, and few settlers 
came in. These were Reuben Lowell, who settled on the 
west side of the river just above Jesse Butterfield's ; Joseph 
Rolfe, who took up back-lot No. 27, east side, the first back- 
lot settled in the township; and John Austin, who came 
from Brunswick, and settled on lot No. 46, west side. With 
him came his wife, Jerusha Austin, who, for nearly ten years, 
was the only doctor in the region. 

1785. When the second meeting of the "Associates" 
was held, May 12, 1785, the survey of the side lines of the 
lots had been completed, and measures were taken to set- 



* SETTLEMENTS. 43 

tie with Joseph North and Solomon Adams, who had done 
the work. Samuel Butterfield, Church Brainerd, and Solo- 
mon Adams, were chosen a committee to make a disposition 
of the lots on which dividends had not been paid. In the 
meantime improvements were going forward. Ebenezer 
Sweet built, during the year, a small tannery at the foot of 
the hill upon his lot, which was the first tannery this side of 
Winthrop. Stephen Titcomb also raised the first framed 
barn in the township. 

In October occurred the first of the series of great fresh- 
ets, which from time to time have overflowed the valley of 
the river, entailing more or less destruction upon the prop- 
erty in their course. The surface of much of the land border- 
ing upon the Sandy River is uneven and precipitous, and the 
low lands skirting the river and its large tributaries are fre- 
quently overflowed by a sudden rise of water. Such freshets 
occur perhaps once each year on an average, and, leaving as 
they do deposits on the intervals, which are valuable as fer- 
tilizers, may be regarded as a benefit rather than a detriment 
to the land. The freshet of this year, however, amounted 
to a flood, but owing to the limited improvements which had 
been made, the loss was small. Three families which had 
built upon the interval were obliged to leave their houses by 
night and were conveyed in canoes to high land. Jonathan 
Knowlton's family escaped through a hole in the roof of the 
house, and Jonas Butterfield and Joseph Brown with their 
families, were also obliged to seek safety in flight. 

Before winter set in, six new settlers arrived. Moses 
Chandler brought his family from Winthrop to the lot on the 
west side of the river, on which he had previously made a 
clearing, and William Gould made a permanent settlement 
on the farm next below the one his brother had entered. 
Samuel Keen and William Blackstone, who were brothers- 
in-law, came from Damariscotta and settled upon lots they 
had taken up several years before. Noah Billington and 
Turner Swift, both temporary residents, settled upon lot No. 
19, east side, and Joseph Sylvester upon lot No. 23. 

During the year the first marriage in the township was 
solemnized, at the house of Joseph Holland, between Josej)h 



44 HISTORY OF farmincton: ' 

Battle and Eunice Maloon, Dummer Sewall, Esq., of Bath, 
performing the ceremony. 

1786. At an adjourned meeting of the Associates, held 
in March, a tax of one pound was levied on each right, to 
be paid in labor on the roads at four shillings a day ; and 
Seth Greeley and Church Brainerd were chosen as survey- 
ors to oversee its expenditure. The proprietors had at this 
time closed the most of their business. Samuel Butterfield, 
Solomon Adams, and Samuel Bullen, were delegated agents 
on matters relative to securing a title to their lands, but it 
does not appear that anything decisive was done, or any 
records kept of the doings of the Associates, until February, 
1790. 

During the year, Peter Corbett erected the first framed 
house. It stood upon the knoll beyond the Rufus Corbett 
homestead, now occupied by Reuben Winslow. The timbers 
of this house are still in existence, in the house owned by 
William H. Pierson. But few settlers arrived in the course 
of 1786. James Winslow settled upon lot No. 50, east side, 
and Samuel Briggs, David Wentworth, James McCurdy, and 
Hugh Cox, settled upon lots on the west side. The two last 
named were not married and did not permanently locate in 
the town. Death began its inroads on the newly formed 
community in the course of the year. William Thorne, the 
father-in-law of Jacob Eaton, died September 15. The spot 
selected for his interment, was the elevation just east of the 
present site of the Center Bridge. This place continued to 
be used for a public burying-ground, and was the only one 
for many years. 

1787. Settlements went rapidly forward during this 
year, and the back-lots began to be opened. Silas Perham 
and Silas Gould came from Dunstable, the former taking up 
a back-lot on the east side, and the latter a back-lot on the 
west side, of the river. Samuel Knowlton entered upon the 
lot still owned by his descendants, and Samuel Sewall on 
the next lot, back-lot No. 2. Gersham Collier settled at or 
about the same time, in the Porter's Hill district. Zaccheus 
Clough, Peter Gay, and Abraham Page, Jr., made permanent 
homes on the river-lots on the west side of the river, which 



SETTLEMENTS. 45 

they had previously entered. Isaac Teague also settled 
upon the farm now ( 1884) owned by Peter P. Tufts and Wil- 
liam H. Holley, and Lydia Blackstone came as a widow to 
settle upon the lot her husband, Benjamin Blackstone, had 
selected. David and Ephraim Cowan, who as Associates 
had frequently been in the town, made permanent settlements 
on river-lots Nos. 7 and 8, east side. A few other temporary 
settlements were also made. 

1788. This was a memorable year in the history of the 
settlement, for it witnessed an important immigration from 
Dunstable, Mass. Lemuel Perham, Eliphalet and Oliver 
Bailey, and John F. Woods, with their families, left Duns- 
table with ox-teams, March 11, and after a slow and painful 
journey of twenty-three days, arrived in the township. Silas 
Perham had made some preparation for the reception of his 
father's family, but the others boldly entered the wilderness, 
and took up the farms which they occupied through life. 
The other permanent settlers were Abraham Smith, on back- 
lot No. 4, east side; Joseph Bradford, on river-lot No. '}^^\ 
Joseph Riant, on river-lot No. 32; and Samuel Eames, on 
river-lot No. 13, all on the west side of the river. In the 
course of this year Francis Tufts built the dam at Farm- 
ington Falls, which, with such repairs and alterations as 
the passage of a hundred years has made necessary, still 
remains as it was built. He also erected a saw-mill and a 
grist-mill below the dam, on the mill privilege which is 
one of the best in the State. 

During the winter the first school was opened in the log- 
house of Robert Gower, taught by Lemuel Perham, Jr. Mr, 
Perham was an excellent teacher, and scholars were drawn 
from all parts of the settlement to receive the benefit of his 
instruction. 

1789-90. The vexatious controversy between the Ken- 
nebec Proprietors and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
was at last compromised, and it was understood that the 
title to the township would vest in the State. The settlers 
therefore resolved to attempt to obtain a title to their lands. 
A meeting of the inhabitants was held at Samuel Butter- 



46 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

field's house, and it was agreed that a petition jointly signed 
should be forwarded to the General Court ; and it was fur- 
ther agreed that the Associates who had settled on settlers' 
lots should be treated as they would have been treated 
under the Plymouth Company, and that the settlers on 
proprietors' lots should be treated as other settlers on State 
lands. Samuel Butterfield and Benjamin Whittier were 
chosen agents on the part of the proprietors of the settlers' 
lots, and Francis Tufts an agent on the part of the settlers, 
on lots reserved for the proprietors of the Kennebec Pur- 
chase, agreeably to an arrangement made between them by 
Reuben Colburn and his Associates. 

Upon the Commonwealth of Massachusetts coming into 
possession of the township, Daniel Cony, in behalf of the 
committee on Eastern Lands, caused a full inventory of the 
lands to be taken. This inventory was lodged in the Secre- 
tary's office, and both the town and the State were thus 
prepared to act intelligently. The report of this inventory 
has great value, as showing the condition of the township at 
the time it was made, and is here inserted : 

To Duramer Sewall, Esq. 
Sir, 

You are requested to proceed to Sandy River (at the expense 
of the settlers ) and take a fair list of the names of all the settlers 
in the township which was laid out by the Plymouth Company ; 
the number of the lots they respectively occupy; the time that each 
person began his improvements; the time he or she went on to the 
land to live ; and the quantity of land now under improvement, 
together with an accurate plan of the said township, designating 
the respective lots, and make return thereof with a copy of this 
instruction unto myself or either of the committee as soon as may 
be after the business is completed, 

D. CONY, in behalf of the commitee 

for the sale of Eastern Lands. 

Hallowell, July i6, 1789. 

N. B. September is the time proposed for doing the above 
business. 

The Inventory is as follows : 



INVENTORY. 



47 



Name of Settler. 









4^ 








c 








lU 








S 






>> 


lU 
















1) 






W 


OJ 






O 


*-t-i 
o 


3 


^ 


<u 


4J 


13 


£ 




^ 


S 


H 


P 



Samuel Butterfield, . . ' , 

Josiah Blake, 

Thomas Morse, \ 

Timothy Page, \ 

Thomas Kenney, 

Moses Chandler, 

Benjamin Weathern, 

Thomas Hiscock, 

Jesse Gould, 

William Gould, 

Ezekiel Webber, 

Samuel Eames 

Reuben Lowell, 

Jesse Butterfield, 

Jonathan Knowlton, 

Jonas Butterfield, 

William Gower, 

Zaccheus Clough, 

Benjamin Whittier, 

Jotham Smith, 

Philip Gay, 

Samuel Briggs, 

Abraham Page, 

Joseph Riant, 

Joseph Battle, 

Hugh Cox, 

Peter Gay, 

David Wentworth, , 

John Rice, 

Joseph Bradford, 

Reuben Butterfield, 

Benjamin Handy, 

John Story, , 

Isaac Powers, 

Isaac Page, 

Abraham Page, Jr., 

John Turner, 

John Austin, 

James McCurdy, 



X^ (D 



<^ 



Front Lots on the West Side of the River. 



2 


S 


I78I 


I78I 


3 


P 


1783 


1789 


4 


S 


1787 


1788 


•S 


P 


1788 


1789 


6 


s 


I78I 


1785 


7 


p 


1783 


1783 


8 


s 


1783 


1783 


ID 


s 


1782 


1782 


11 


p 


1782 


1785 


12 


s 


1782 


1788 


13 


p 


1784 


1788 


1 5 


p 


1783 


1784 


i6 


s 


I78I 


1782 


17 


p 


1780 


I78I 


18 


s 


I78I 


1782 


19 


p 


1780 


1783 


20 


s 


1783 


1787 


22 


s 


I78I 


1783 


27 


s 


178.S 


1789 


26 


p 


1787 


1789 


28 


p 


I78.S 


1786 


29 


s 


1786 


1789 


32 


p 


1788 


1788 


33 


s 


1787 


1787 


34 


p 


1782 


1786 


3.S 


s 


I78I 


1787 


36 


p 


I78I 


1786 


37 


s 


1782 


1783 


38 


p 


I78I 


1788 


39 


s 


1783 


1784 


40 


p 


1785 


1789 


41 


s 


1789 


1789 


42 


p 


1787 


1788 


43 


s 


1787 


1787 


44 


p 


1784 


1787 


4.S 


s 


1783 


1789 


46 


p 


1783 


1784 


47 


s 


1786 


1786 



30 

I 



I 

7 

15 
15 
10 

5 
2 

4 

7 

15 
50 

15 
6 

3 

40 

2 
2 
2 

2 

5 
4 

5 

2 

4 

5 
5 



* Mortgaged to John Chandler. 



48 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Name of Settler. 









^ 








c 








o 








E 






>. 


<u 






















c 








W 


CA) 


^ 




<+j 


<-l-l 


<o 




o 


o 


s 


-^ 


V 


<u 




B ' 


a 


^ 


S 


H 


P 



Front Lots on the West Side of the River. 


Moses Starling, 

Jacob Eaton, . . . . , . . 


48 1 E 
Mill Lot 


1782 


1783 


7 


Back Lots on the West Side of the River. 



Samuel Knowlton, . 

Samuel Sewall, . . 

Eli Brainerd, , . 

Ezekiel Knowlton, . 
John F. Woods, 

Silas Gould, . . . 
Ephraim Butterfield, 
Gersham Collier, 



Ephraim Cowan, . . 

David Cowan, . . . 

Abiathar Green, . , 

Robert Jones, . . . 

Simeon Russ, . . 
Ebenezer Jones, 

John Huston, . . . 
Joseph Brown, 
Noah Billington, 
Turner Swift, 

Daniel Tibbetts, . . 

F.noch Craig, . . . 

William Kannady, . . 

Joseph Sylvester, . . 

Seth Greeley, . . , 

Joseph Holland, . . 

Joseph Greely, . . 
P^benezer Sweet, 

Nathaniel Davis, . . 

Susannah Davenport, . 

Samuel Butterfield, Jr., 

Amos Page, . . . . 

Ezekiel Page, . . . 

WiUiam White, . . . 



I 


S 


1786 


1787 


49 


S 


1782 


1787 


4 


S 


1787 


1788 


5 


P 


1787 




6 


s 


1783 


1788 


7 


p 


1787 


1787 


8 


s 


1787 


1789 


17 


p 


1787 


1787 



Front Lots on the East Side of the River. 



7 


P 


1787 


1787 


8 


S 


1783 


1787 


10 


s 


I78I 




14 


s 


1782 


1782 


i.S 


p 


I78I 


1783 


16 


s 


1782 


1789 


17 


p 


1782 


1783 


18 


s 


1780 


I78I 


19 


p 


1782 


1785 


20 


s 


1788 


1788 


21 


p 


1782 


1782 


22 


s 


I78I 


1782 


23 


p 


I78I 


1785 


24 


s 


I78I 


1782 


25 


p 


I78I 


1783 


26 


s 


I78I 


1782 


27 


p 


I78I 


1782 


28 


s 


I78I 


I78I 


29 


p 


1782 


1787 


30 


s 


I78I 


1786 


31 


p 


I78I 


1782 


32 


s 


I78I 


1782 


33 


p 


I78I 


1783 



INVENTORY. 



49 



Name of Settler. 









^ 








c 








D 
















e 






>-, 


<L> 








tj 






W 


m 






MH 


M-l 


u 








6 


^ 


OJ 


(U 


03 


6 


s 


"^ 


S 


P 


H 



t:) J^ 



Front Lots on the East Side of the River. 



Samuel BuUen, 

Joshua Bullen, 

Samuel Keen, 

Solomon Adams, 

Isaac Teague, 

Church Brainerd, 

Peter Corbett, 

Lydia Blackstone, 

Stephen Titcomb, 

Robert Gower, 

Nehemiah Blodgett, .... 

Francis Tufts, 

William Blackstone, .... 

Lemuel Howes, |^ 

Josiah Parker, \ 

James Winslow, 



34 


S 


1780 


1782 


3.S 


P 


I78I 


1785 


36 


s 


1782 


1782 


37 


p 


I78I 


1787 


3« 


s 


1782 


1783 


40 


s 


I78I 


1782 


39 


p 


I78I 


1787 


41 


p 


1776 


I78I 


43 


p 


1776 


1783 


44 


s 


1780 


I78I 


45 


p 


1780 


1783 


46 


s 


1782 


1785 


48 


s 


1787 


1787 


50 


s 


1780 


1786 



5 

IS 

5 
20 

20 

4 

50 
60 

12 

50 
7 



Back Lots on the East Side of the River. 



Abraham Smith, 
Asa Cree, . . . 
Oliver Hartwell, 
Lemuel Perham, 
Eliphalet Bailey, 
Oliver Bailey, 
Joseph Rolfe, 
Moses Adams, , 



4 


P 


1787 


1788 


.s 


S 


1789 


1789 


6 


P 


1788 


1789 


24 


s 


1786 


1787 


26 


s 


1787 


1788 


27 


p 


1788 


1788 


27 


p 


1784 


1784 


28 


s 


1788 


1789 



The foregoing list with the numbers and dates was taken on 

the tenth of September, 1789, by the direction of Hon. Daniel 

Cony, Esquire, in behalf of the Committee for the sale of E^astern 

Lands. 

(Signed) DUMMER SEW ALL. 

Butterfield and Tufts repaired to Boston, that they mii^ht 
be present at the opening of the General Court. Their 
double purpose was to obtain a title to lands for the settlers 
and to make a purchase of the residue of the unsettled lands 



50 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

for themselves. Dummer Sewall, Esq., of Bath, had fre- 
quently been in the township, and through the inventory he 
had just completed, was fully acquainted with the character 
of the lands. Moreover, he was well known in Boston. By 
taking him into partnership, Butterfield and Tufts were able 
to easily accomplish their purpose, and obtained from the 
Legislature the following resolve : 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

In Senate, February 4th, 1790, 

Whereas, the proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase by their 
committee on the fourth day of October 1779, under the appre- 
hension that the tract now called the Sandy River Lower town- 
ship, belonged to said proprietors, did enter into an agreement or 
contract respecting the land contained in said township with Reu- 
ben Colburn and his Associates, wherein the said Associates on 
their part agreed to survey and lay out said township, divide the 
same into lots, mark the lots for settlers with the letter S., and the 
lots to be reserved for said proprietors with the letter P., and return 
a plan thereof to the clerk of said proprietors, and within a certain 
time to settle said township, make improvements therein, clear 
roads &c : and in consideration thereof the said committee, in 
behalf of said proprietors, on their part agreed that the said Reu- 
ben Colburn and his Associates, should hold all the lots in said 
township marked with the letter S., in the said plan returned, a 
duplicate whereof accompanies this resolve. And whereas it ap- 
pears to this court that said Reuben and his Associates have com- 
plied with the said agreement, on their part, and would have been 
entitled to the several lots in said township marked with the letter 
S., if the said township had really belonged to said proprietors ; 
But whereas it now appears that the lands in said township are the 
property of this Commonwealth, and inasmuch as considerable 
advantage has resulted to said Commonwealth from the settlement 
of said township by said Associates: and in order that said Asso- 
ciates may not be disturbed in the possession of their settlements. 

Therefore resolved that there be, and hereby is, granted and 
confirmed unto the said Reuben and his Associates aforesaid, their 
heirs and assigns, all the lots in said plan marked with the letter 
S., together with the mill-lot in said township so-called, as tenants 



PURCHASE OF THE TOWNSHIP. 51 

in common, excepting such lots as have ah-eady been drawn to the 
Associates, which shall be held in severalty by each Associate, his 
heirs and assigns accordingly. And it is further resolved that there 
be, and hereby is, granted and confirmed to Dummer Sewall of 
Bath, P^sq., Francis Tufts and Samuel Butterfield of Sandy River, 
aforesaid yeomen, their heirs and assigns, all the rest and residue 
of said township, on the following conditions, and with the follow- 
ing reservations, viz : — That the said Dummer, Francis, and Sam- 
uel shall quit the settlers hereafter named, who settled in said 
township before the first day of January 1784 viz: Benjamin 
Weathren, William Gould, Reuben Lowell, Jonathan Knowlton, 
William Gower, John Austin, Simeon Russ, John Huston, Enoch 
Craig, Joseph Sylvester, Joseph Holland, Ebenezer Sweet, Abram 
Page, William White, Samuel Keen, Lydia Blackstone, Stephen 
Titcomb, Robert Gower, and Francis Tufts, by granting to each 
of them to hold in fee, one hundred acres of land, to be so laid 
out as will best include his or her improvements and be least injur- 
ious to the adjoining lands, upon the receipt of thirty shillings 
from such settler, to be paid by each within nine months from this 
date. And also shall quit the settlers hereafter named, who settled 
in said township after the first day of January 1784, viz : — Josiah 
Blake, Samuel Ames, Samuel Briggs, Joseph Riant, Hugh Cox, 
David Wentworth, Joseph Bradford, Benjamin Handy, Isaac 
Powers, Abram Page, Silas Gould, Samuel Chandler, Ephraim 
Cowan, Noah Billington, Susannah Davenport, Isaac Teague, 
Abram Smith, Joseph Ralph, and Oliver Bailey, by granting to 
each of them to hold in fee, one hundred acres of land, to be so 
laid out as will best include his or her improvements, and be least 
injurious to the adjoinmg lands, upon the receipt of six pounds 
from each settler, — to be paid within nine months from this date. 
Reserving, however, four lots of three hundred and twenty acres 
each, for public uses, viz — one for the first settled minister, one for" 
the us^ of the ministry, one for the use of schools in said township, 
and one for the future appropriation of the General Court, to be 
laid out near the center of said township, and to average in good- 
ness with the other lots therein ; and on condition that the said 
Dummer Sewall, Francis Tufts and Samuel Butterfield shall pay 
or give sufticient security to pay to the committee on the subject 
of unappropriated lands in the counties of York, Cumberland and 
Lincoln, or to their successors in ofiice, for the use of the Common- 
wealth, the sum of four hundred pounds in specie, within the 



52 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

space of one year from the time of passing this resolve, which 
committee upon the receipt of said sum of four hundred pounds, 
or sufficient security therefor, are hereby empowered to make and 
execute a good and lawful deed, to the said Dummer, Francis and 
Samuel, their heirs and assigns, of the land granted to them in 
this resolve, on the conditions, and with the reservations therein 
contained. 

Sent down for concurrence. 

THOMAS DAWS, Pres't pro tern. 

In the House of Representatives, Feb. 4th 1790. Read and 

concurred. 

DAVID COBB, Speaker. 

A true copy. Attest JOHN AVERY, Jun., Sec'y. 

Having given security to the satisfaction of the commit- 
tee, a deed was granted before the purchasers returned 
home. The deed, in parts but a transcript of the resolve, 
reads as follows : 

Know all men by these Presents, that we the undersigned 
Committee appointed by the General Court of the Commonwealth 
of Massachusets, and, by the resolves of the same Court author- 
ized and empowered to sell and dispose of the unappropriated 
lands of said Commonwealth, lying within the counties of York, 
Cumberland and Lincoln, for and in consideration of security 
being given, agreeably to a resolve of said Commonwealth which 
passed the General Court the 4th inst., by Dummer Sewall, of 
Bath, Esq., Francis Tufts and Samuel Butterfield of Sandy River, 
yeomen, all in the County of Lincoln and Commonwealth aforesaid 
for the payment of the sum of Four Hundred Pounds lawful 
money in specie, in one year from the date of said resolve, have 
granted, bargained, sold and conveyed, and by these presents, do, 
in behalf of said Commonwealth, and conformably to the resolves 
aforesaid, grant, bargain, sell, and convey unto the said Dummer 
Sewall, Francis Tufts and Samuel Butterfield, all that tract of 
land which is known by the name of '■''Sandy River Lower Town- 
ship" in the County of Lincoln aforesaid, except the lots therein 
which are marked with the letter S, together with the mill lot in 
said township so called, which has been confirmed by the resolve 
aforesaid to Reuben Colburn and his Associates, which township 



PURCHASE OF THE TOWNSHIP. 53 

or tract of land except the lots marked S, and mill lot are subject 
to the following conditions and reservations, viz :—Tthat the said 
Dunimer, Francis and Samuel shall quit the settlers hereafter 
named who settled in said township before first day of January 1784, 
viz: — Benjamin Weatnern, William Gould, Reuben Lowell, Jona- 
than Knowlton, William Gower, John Austin, Simeon Russ, John 
Huston, Enoch Craig, Joseph Sylvester, Joseph Holland, Ebenezer 
Sweet, Abraham Page, William White, Samuel Keen, Lydia Black- 
stone, Stephen Titcomb, Robert Gower and Francis Tufts, by grant- 
ing to each of them to hold, in fee, one hundred acres of land to be 
so laid out as will best include his or her improvements, and be 
least injurious to the adjoining lands, upon the receipt of Thirty 
Shillings from such settler, to be paid by each within nine months 
from the date of said resolve, — and also, shall quit the settlers 
hereafter named who settled in said township after the first day of 
January 1784 viz : Josiah Blake, Samuel Fames, Samuel Briggs, 
Joseph Riant, Hugh Cox, David Wentworth, Joseph Bradford, 
Benjamin Handy, Isaac Powers, Abram Page, Silas Gould, Samuel 
Chandler, Fphraim Cowan, Noah Billington, Susannah Daven- 
port, Isaac Teague, Abraham Smith, Joseph Ralph and Oliver 
Baily, by granting to each of them to hold in fee, one hundred 
acres of land, to be so laid out as will best include his or her im- 
provement and be least injurious to the adjoining land, upon the 
receipt of Six Pounds from such settler to be paid by each within 
nine months from the date of the aforesaid resolve ; reserving 
however four lots of three hundred and twenty acres each for pub- 
lic uses, viz : one for the first settled minister, one for the use of 
the ministry, one for the use of Schools, in said township, and one 
for the future appropriation of the General Court, to be laid out 
near the center of said township, and to average in goodness, with 
the other lots therein — which before granted townships were laid 
out and surveyed by Joseph North, Fsq., June 20, 1780, a plan of 
which is lodged in the Secretary's ofifice — to have and to hold said 
granted and bargained premises on the conditions and with the 
reservations aforesaid to them, the said Dummer Sewall, Francis 
Tufts and Samuel Butterfield, their heirs and assigns to their 
proper use forever. — And we the said Committee in behalf of the 
Commonwealth aforesaid do covenant and agree with said Francis, 
Dummer and Samuel, that the Commonwealth shall warrant and 
defend the before granted premises to them, their heirs and assigns 
forever. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and 

S 



54 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

seals, this eleventh day of February, in the year of our Lord one 

thousand seven hundred and ninety. 

NATHANIEL WELLS (s) 
JOHN READ (s) 
DANIEL CONY (s) 
Signed, Sealed, Delivered in the presence of Samuel Cooper, 

Jacob Kuhn. Acknowledged before Samuel Cooper Justice of 

the Peace, 

It has been said that this purchase of the township was 
not altogether to the satisfaction of the inhabitants. The 
agents, however, certainly accomplished for the settlers all 
they were chosen to do, in securing for them clean titles to 
their lands, and it is doubtful whether the unappropriated 
lots could have been disposed of in any manner more to the 
advantage of the settlers. 

While these negotiations were pending, the settlements 
went rapidly forward. During 1789 Oliver Hartwell, Samuel 
Stowers, and Asa Cree, took up farms east of Bailey Hill, 
and Moses Adams the place now owned by Nathaniel Coth- 
ren. Ephraim Butterfield, Jotham Smith, and Ebenezer 
Jones, also moved on to the farms they afterwards occupied. 
The year following began the immigration from Martha's 
Vineyard, which gave so many valuable citizens to the town- 
ship. Andrew and Elijah Norton came on an exploring 
expedition, and selected as a permanent location for their 
father the lot on which Richard Norton and others now 
(1884) live. Here they built the substantial framed house 
which is still standing. 

During the year, Eaton and Starling built permanent 
mills at West Farmington, to take the place of those built 
by Colburn and Pullen in 1781. As is fully detailed in 
his biography, Jacob Eaton also began the building of the 
little schooner Lark, the first and last attempt to convert 
Farmington into a ship-building emporium. Peter Gay put 
up a blacksmith-shop either this year or the year previous, 
although one Sally is said to have had a temporary shop on 
the west side before him. 

The first decade in the history of F'armington thus draws 



SETTLEMENTS. 55 

to a close, with peace and prosperity within its borders. 
From an almost unbroken wilderness it has become a thriv- 
ing farming district, its surface thickly dotted with numerous 
clearings and improved farms. More than eight hundred 
acres have been put under cultivation, and many good farm 
buildings erected. Eight framed houses have been built, all 
of that substantial, roomy style of architecture which pre- 
vailed at that period. These were built, probably in the 
order named, by Peter Corbett, Samuel Butterfield, Nehe- 
miah Blodgett, Solomon Adams, Stephen Titcomb, Jacob 
Eaton, Ebenezer Norton, and Francis Tufts. It is possible 
that others not included in the list were also erected. Many 
others had framed barns, to which they soon added other 
buildings. The census taken in 1790, gives the number of 
inhabitants as 494, and the town books record the births of 
63 children during the ten years ending December, 1790. 
The pressing needs of the new community are all supplied. 
Mills are in operation, blacksmiths and shoe-makers are 
plying their trade, schools have been established, and the 
people of the township are well-nigh independent of the out- 
side world. A magistrate's commission has been given to 
Moses Starling, and now the inhabitants can marry and be 
given in marriage, as well as settle their possible disputes. 
The market for their commodities is found at Hallowell, 
whither they haul the products of their farms and exchange 
them for such manufactured goods as are found necessary for 
comfort or convenience. The spinning-jennys and looms of 
the thrifty housewives supply their clothing, and they have 
no need to call on foreign looms. Little ready money is 
seen for these first ten years. Judge Parker relates in his 
History that Mr. Brown received in 1791 a silver dollar in 
payment for a day's work of himself and horse, which he 
remarked was the first dollar he had seen in the ten years 
he had lived on Sandy River. 

Although no mail-line was established, a Mr. Willis began 
about the year 1790, to bring newspapers into the township, 
and in 1793 a weekly mail-line was opened to Hallowell. 
The social pleasures of the inhabitants were few. No 



56 HISTORY OF farmington: 

churches were formed, and but few itinerant preachers had 
found their way to this opening in the wilderness. A certain 
brotherly kindness and good fellowship marked the relation 
of these early settlers one to the other, which has been lost 
amid the conventionalties of modern living. Hospitality 
was a leading trait among these pioneers. The stranger was 
welcome to their fireside and table. Industry and frugality 
marked their daily lives, and most of them lived to find a 
reward for their virtues in receiving the fruit of their labors, 
and in transmitting to their children a competency which 
rendered the privations of their parents unnecessary for 
them. 



CHAPTER III. 

INCORPORATION AND SUBSEQUENT HISTORY. 

Need of Town Regulations. — Petition for Incorporation. — Protest. — Whit- 
tier's Protest. — Act of Incorporation. — First Town IMeeting. — Federal 
Tax Assessed. — Local Dissensions. 

The Sandy River Lower Township was never organized 
as a plantation, and tlie inhabitants were for the first thirteen 
years of their history entirely destitute of any form of gov- 
ernment. They met from time to time as occasion demanded 
and proceeded in regard to roads, schools, and other matters 
of public interest, in such a manner as they could agree 
among themselves. While the Associates claimed authority 
over the lands, a small tax was levied on each right for the 
making of roads ; but it does not appear that any other tax 
was ever laid upon the people of the township. But by 
1793, serious need of a local government was felt. Impor- 
tant roads and bridges were necessary; better schools were 
imperative, and the population was so large that town regu- 
lations were demanded. At that time the inhabitants num- 
bered nearly six hundred, and almost every available lot on 
the river, as well as much of the upland, had been taken. 
As soon as the question of incorporation began to be agi- 
tated, however, it became evident that a difference of opin- 
ion existed upon the propriety of incorporating the town 
with the same boundaries as established by North's survey. 
Farmington Falls was then the business center. The 
principal mills were there, and that was the point of depart- 



58 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

ure for the Hallowell trade. The town was divided into 
three parties, of which the two principal ones were composed 
of those who desired the town incorporated as originally 
surveyed, and those who wished the lower part of the town 
united with the upper part of Chester,' and a town formed 
with the Falls as the center. A small party wished the 
lower part of the town alone to be incorporated. 

The first meeting of which we have knowledge, was 
held at Hartson Cony's, probably April 23, 1793, the exact 
date being unfortunately omitted from the report. The 
account of this meeting, as lodged with the other papers 
referring to the incorporation, in the Secretary of State's 
office in Boston, is as follows : 

Sandy River Plantation, y« 23 A. D. 1793. 

At a meeting of a number of the inhabitants of said plantation 
at the house of Mr. Hartson Cony and voted the following arti- 
cles viz: 

ily. Made choice of Moses Starling Esq. chairman. 

2ly. Voted and chose Solomon Adams clerk. 

3ly. Voted to draft a petition to leave one mile and a half off 
the upper end of this plantation and be incorporated. 

5ly. Voted to draft a petition to be incorporated as the first 
survey was. 

61y. Voted to choose a committee to draft the above petitions. 
Voted and chose Mr. Robert Gower, Moses Starling Esq. and 
Capt. Supply Belcher committee men. 

[The succeeding portion of the manuscript is so destroyed 
as to forbid either an exact copy or a complete interpretation; in 
part, however, it relates to adjournment]. 

According to the adjournment the inhabitants met and 
voted to send the petition to Boston, — to incorporate the 
plantation as it was first surveyed. 

2ly, Voted to leave the petition with Mr. Hartson Cony a few 
days for the purpose of alteration or signing. 

3ly. Voted and chose Capt. Supply Belcher to go to Boston to 
act as an agent for Sandy River Lower Township so called, on 



INCORPORATION. 59 

matter of incorporation or such other matters as the committee 
shall direct. 

4ly. Voted and chose Mr. Robert Gower, Mr. Samuel Butter- 
field, Mr. Jotham Smith, Lieut. John Church, Mr. Peter Gay a 
committee to give Capt. Supply Belcher his directions on the sub- 
ject of incorporation. 

Attest : A true copy. 

SOLOMON ADAMS, 

Clerk for said meeting. 

The proceedings of this meeting not being entirely satis- 
factory, a second meeting was called, at the house of Samuel 
Butterfield, May i6 following. The doings of this meeting 
are related in a letter of instructions given to Supply 
Belcher, Benjamin Whittier, and Ezekiel Porter, the commit- 
tee appointed to forward the petition of the inhabitants to 
the General Court. This letter reads as follows : 

To Capt. Supply Belcher, Benjamin Whittier Esq., Capt. Ezekiel 

Porter, 

Gentlemen : 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of Sandy River Lower Town- 
ship at the house of Mr. Samuel Butterfield on Thursday y^ i6th 
of May 1793- After the necessary vote to regulate said meeting 
etc. etc. 

I St. Voted to petition to the Honorable General Court of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts for to have incorporation granted 
to the settlement. 

2d. Voted that said petition shall be to have it incorporated 
as a town as the survey now stands. 

3rd. Voted to have this place formerly called Sandy River 
Lower Township to be called Farmington. 

4th. Voted that Capt. Supply Belcher, Benjamin Whittier 
and Capt. Ezekiel Porter to be a committee to draft and forward 
a petition to the Honorable Court for incorporation as soon as 
may be. 

Attest a true copy of the records of said meeting. 
CHURCH BRAINERD, 
Clerk for said inhabitants at said meeting. 

Sandy River May y'= 20th A. D. 1793. 



6o HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

In this petition the name Farmington occurs for the first 
time, and was adopted at the suggestion of Col. Porter, as a 
name appropriate to the character of the place as a farming 
town. 

Although a majority of the inhabitants were plainly in 
favor of incorporating the town as a whole, a number of the 
citizens of the lower part of the town were not ready to 
give their countenance to the project. During the next 
week they prepared a protest to the action of this meeting, 
which they forwarded to the General Court : 



Commonwealth ) To the Honorable Senate and House 

ov Massachusetts. >- of Representatives of this Coninion- 
LiNCOLN, ss. ) wealth in General Court assembled. 

Your petitioners humbly sheweth that whereas a number of the 
inhabitants of Sandy River in the county of Lincoln and within 
the Commonwealth have at a meeting held at Sandy River afore- 
said on the sixteenth day of this instant May, obtained a vote that 
the whole tract of land laid out by or under the Plymouth Com- 
pany on Sandy River should be incorporated with a town which is 
nine miles in length, and supposed to hold out six miles in width at 
the upper end or north end, and not to exceed three miles and a 
half at the south end : Which lies very ill convenient for a town, 
and whereas there is other tracts of land adjoining, we think that 
two towns may be formed much more convenient and your petition- 
ers who live on this tract and others will be much better accommo- 
dated, and we your petitioners prays that the above tract of land 
may not be incorporated according to their petition and plan ; 
whereas there is a range of six miles towns laid out to the north of 
this tract we your petitioners think that method of locating town- 
ships to be much more convenient than such long strips to be in- 
corporated. We pray your Honors to take the matter under your 
consideration and deal with us as you in your wisdom shall think 
most convenient : and we your petitioners as in duty bound shall 
ever pray. 

May 22d 1793. 

Stephen Titcomb. Church Brainerd. 

Robert Gower. Eben"^ Jones. 



INCORPORATION. 6 1 

Reuben Lowell. Lemuel Howes. 

William Gower. Ebenezer Blunt. 

J. Bartlett Lowell. Francis Tufts. • 

Jonathan Knowlton. Jesse Gould. 

Jesse Butterfield. Stephen Norton. 

Peter Corbett. Jonas Butterfield. 

James Gower. William Gould. 

Samuel Eames. Samuel Knowlton. 

Ely Brainerd. Henry Sewall. 

Samuel Sewall. John Chandler, 

Joel Chandler. John Winslow. 



A part of the signers to this protest, however, soon 
thought better of the matter, and before the agent left for 
Boston gave him authority to erase their names from the 
paper, as is seen from the following document : 



This may certify 

That we the subscribers, inhabitants of Sandy River Lower 
Township, do authorize the bearer (Capt. Supply Belcher .who is 
appointed agent for this plantation) to erase our names from a 
petition now lodged with the Committee of Incorporation at Boston 
remonstrating against said plantation being incorporated whole, as 
we are convinced by mature consideration it will be much more to 
for the interest of said plantation to remain undivided which senti- 
ment we have likewise manifested by setting our names to a peti- 
tion for the purpose of having said plantation incorporated without 
any division. 

Church Brainerd. Robert Gower. 

Peter Corbett. Ebenezer Blunt. 

Stephen Titcomb. Ebenezer Jones. 

Francis Tufts. Jesse Gould. 

The committee chosen at the meeting of the inhabitants 
on May i6, 1793, drew up, according to directions, a petition 
for incorporation without division. This petition, which sets 
out definitely the boundaries of the town, was as follows : 



62 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

To the Honorable Senate and House of Represe7itatives of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in General Court assembled. 

Your petitioners humbly shew 

That as they are destitute of the benefit of regulation, they 
pray that the plantation known by the name of Sandy River Lower 
Township may be incorporated a town by the name of Farmington 
which is bounded as followeth viz : 

Beginning at a maple tree marked, on the bank of Sandy River 
at the southeast corner of said township, thence running north 
eight miles and fifty-six rods to a beech tree marked, thence west five 
miles and two hundred rods to a bass-wood tree marked ; thence 
running south two miles; thence south thirteen degrees east three 
miles; thence south twenty-four degrees east three miles; thence 
south thirty-five degrees east two miles one hundred and fourteen 
rods to a hemlock tree marked ; thence running north sixty-five 
degrees east one mile and one hundred and eighty rods to Little 
Norridgewock stream, thence on the bank of said stream one mile 
one hundred and sixty rods to the said Sandy River, thence down 
said river about seventy rods to the bounds first mentioned. 
According to a plan drawn by Joseph North Esq. and agreeable to 
a plan of said township lodged in the Secretary's ofiice. — And your 
petitioners further pray they may have the benefit of working out the 
taxes that may be laid on them for four years (or such a term as 
the legislature shall see cause) on roads as they are necessitated 
to maintain a road near twenty miles out of town for the benefit of 
getting to seaport with the additional expense of building and 
maintaining several large bridges. And your petitioners (in behalf 
of the inhabitants of said plantation) as in duty bound will ever 

pray. 

BENJAMIN WHITTIER. 
S. BELCHER. 
EZEKIEL PORTER. 
Sandy River May 20th 1793. 

During the summer and autumn the signatures of the 
inhabitants were obtained to a citizens' petition for incorpora- 
tion, and by December, when the petition was closed, all of 
the settlers with few exceptions had signed it. As this peti- 
tion, together with the remonstrance, contains the names of 



INCORPORA TION. 



63 



nearly every male inhabitant over age at the time of the 
incorporation, it is here given in full. The spelling of the 
names is retained as it appears in the original document : 



Lincoln, ss. 

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court assembled : 

Your petitioners, inhabitants of the Plantation known by the 
name of Sandy River Lower Township in the county of Lincoln, 
humbly shew that as they are destitute of the benefit of regulations 
they pray that they may be incorporated a town by the name of 
Farmington, and that they may be bounded according to the plan 
of said township and agreeably to a duplicate of said plan which 
is lodged in the Secretary's office, Boston and your petitioners as 
in duty bound will ever pray. 
Dec. 24th 1793. 



Robert Gower, 
Moses Starling. 
S. Belcher. 
Lemuel Perham Jr. 
Jos. Bullen. 
Benjamin Butler. 
Peter Corbeit. 
Ebene"^ Blunt. 
Francis Tufts. 
Saml Bullen. 
Andrew Norton. 
Thomas Flint. 
Ebenezer Sweet. 
Samuel Poole. 
Simeon Russ. 
Joseph Bradford. 
Jack Powers. 
Joseph Sweetser. 
Josiah Everett. 
Reuben Turner. 
Thomas Wendell. 
Robert Eaton. 
Elijah Norton. 



Samuel Boyd. 
Isaac Page. 
H° Cony. 
Abel Sweet. 
Elijah Butler Jr. 
Calvin Boyd. 
Sandford Davis. 
Zaccheus Mayhew. 
John Brown. 
Moses Adams. 
Robert Jones. 
Enoch Crage. 
Elvaton Parker. 
Joseph Brown. 
Hugh Cox. 
Will"* Allen. 
Samuel Butterfield. 
Neh. Blodget. 
Silas Perham. 
Abraham Smith. 
Eliphlet Ginans. 
John Stowers. 
Jacob Sweat. 



64 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Jotham Smith. 
Eliphalet Bailey. 
Oliver Hartwell. 
Lemuel Perham. 
Peter West. 
Samuel Keen. 
Reuben Butterfield. 
Ebenezer Butterfield. 
Stephen Titcomb. 
Theophilus Hopkins. 
John Clayton. 
Eben"" Norton. 
Josiah Blake. 
John Rice. 
David Wentworth. 
John Huston. 
Silvanus Tower. 
Zeblun True. 
Gershom Collier. 
Church Brainerd. 



William Brackley. 
Peter Norton. 
John Church. 
Peter Gay. 
David Cowan. 
Aden Briggs. 
Jabez Gay. 
Benja Heath. 
Samuel Brown. 
Wm. Kannady. 
Elijah Butler. 
Jason Cony. 
Ephraim Norton. 
John Kinne. 
E^zekiel Porter. 
Joseph Battle. 
John Astins. 
James Gower. 
Joseph Riant. 
Elisha Gay. 



This petition bears the follow^ing endorsement : 

In the House of Representatives Jan. i8, 1794. 
Read and committed to the Standing Committee on incorpora- 
tion of towns and sent up for concurrence. 

EDWARD H. ROBBINS, Speaker. 

In Senate Jan. 18 1794 Read and concurred. 

SAMUEL PHILLIPS, President. 

A part of the inhabitants of the low^er portion of the 
town were not yet ready to yield their preference for a union 
with the upper part of Chester. No sooner was the forego- 
ing petition with its formidable array of signatures dis- 
patched, than they joined with certain of the citizens of 
Chester in a counter-petition urging the incorporation of 
another town formed from the lower part of the Sandy River 
Township and the upper part of Chester, under the name 
of Parkcford. This petition, drawn up in the handwriting 
of Rev. Jotham Sewall, is filed with the other papers in the 
State archives. 



INCORPORATION. 65 

Lincoln, ss : 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

To the Honorable the Senate afid the House of Representatives in 
General Court assembled: 

We your petitioners living in the plantation of Chester and 
the southerly part of the lower township on Sandy River humbly 
shew, that whereas the plantation of Chester is so situated that it 
can not be conveniently connected with any other tract of land 
and when the Lower Township of Sandy River is inconvenient 
with respect to its length to be incorporated whole, we pray that a 
town may be incorporated by the name of Parkeford beginning at 
the east line of said lower township five and a half miles ( or other 
ways six miles) from the north line thence running west (or as 
near that as may be without injuring the lots) to the west side of 
said township with the proportionable part of the public land together 
with the whole of Chester plantation bounded agreeable to a plan 
accompanying this as we your petitioners as in duty bound shall 
ever pray. 

December 26th 1793. (Signed) 



Jotham Sewall. 
Jonathan Knowlton. 
Samuel Sewall. 
Ely Brainerd. 
Reuben Lowell. 
Jesse Butterfield. 
William Gould. 
Ephraim Butterfield. 
Stephen Norton. 
Samuel Pease. 
Benjamin Luce. 
Samuel Knowlton. 
William Bradbury. 
Samuel Linscott. 
John Mitchell. 
Dummer Sewall. 
John Bradbury. 
Reuben Lowell, Jr. 
Lemuel Howes. 



Thomas Gordon. 
Jonathan Gordon. 
Moses Whittier. 
Richard Maddock. 
William Whittier. 
Phineas Whittier. 
Samuel Eames. 
James Winslow, Jr. 
Thomas Davenport. 
Abraham Davenport. 
William Gower. 
Jonas Butterfield. 
J. Bartlett Lowell. 
Jonas Butterfield, Jr. 
Thomas More. 
Clark Whittier. 
John Butterfield. 
Newell Gordon. 



66 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

This may certify that at a meeting of the inhabitants of Ches- 
ter and lower part of Sandy River Lower Township on the 26th 
day of December 1793 Mr. Reuben Lowell was chosen an agent to 
forward a petition for incorporation. 

(Signed) JOTHAM SEWALL, Clerk. 

But there was one gentleman who was not satisfied 
simply to sign a protest or counter-petition. Having served 
on the committee which drew up the first petition, Mr. 
Benjamin Whittier felt that more was demanded of him 
than of the ordinary citizen. He resolved to petition by 
himself. We are at liberty to suppose that the good man 
was so earnest and excited that he was careful neither of 
his spelling nor grammar. The petition is something of a 
curiosity and is here inserted verbatim et literatim. 

To the Commetty of Incorporation of this Commonwelth at Boston : 
Gentelmen. 

Whereas I Benjamin Whittier of the Lower Town of Sandy 
River so called, sind a Petition as a Commetty to the Present Gen- 
eral assembly of this Commonwelth for that whole Tract of Land 
Layd out under the Plymouth Company to be incorporated into a 
Town whereas the inhabants of this Place hath had sevral meet- 
ings and have agreed to Divide this Place or Tract and are very 
uneasy about Being incorporated altogether by it being so long ; 
and Thinks that by Taking five milles and one half of the Length 
it will then admit of on other Town by Taking that Tract of Land 
called Chestor, as you will see by the Plan, Som Parsang have 
taking Grate Pains in order to influence the minds of the Pople to 
be incorporated altogether which upon a consideration I think It 
will not be so good for the People and will Injer the Publick and 
corate a grate Deal of Difficulty and Treble I pray that the Com- 
mitty would Look into the Sityation of the Land Round, all 
Purchd Land of the State at one Time and not Layd out in Ragler 
Towns. A Town on Sandy River will admit of Being Smaller by 
reason of it Likely of being a Thick settled Place and situation 
for Trade and Bisness. 

From your most Humble and 
obedent servt 

BENJAMIN WHITTIER. 

Sandy River, Jan. loth 1794. 



IN CORPORA Tl ON. 6/ 

The petitions having been duly presented, together with 
a plan of the township, a bill incorporating the town accord- 
ing to the first petition was presented by the committee, 
which passed the Senate Jan. 22, 1794. Before it received 
the concurrence of the House of Representatives, the peti- 
tion of Jotham Sewall and others arrived. Some delay 
occurred. The bill was returned to the committee for re- 
consideration, and reported again unchanged, the 27th of 
January, with the following endorsement : 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

The standing committee on applications for Incorporations 
have again attended to the bill entitled An Act to incorporate the 
plantation of Sandy River with the inhabitants thereof into a town 
together with the remonstrance of Jotham Sewall and others and 
after a full hearing of the parties are still of the opinion that the 
said bill pass, the aforesaid remonstrance notwithstanding which is 
submitted. 

STEPHEN CHOATE. 

In Senate, Jan. 27, 1794. 

In House, Jan. 27, 1794. Per Order. 

The original bill passed the House of Representatives 
without alteration or modification, Jan. 28, and received the 
signature of the Governor February i. The Act of Incor- 
poration reads as follows : 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hnndred and ninety- 
four. An Act to incorporate the plantation of Sandy River 
with the inhabitants thereof into a town by the name of 
Farmington, 

Whereas application has been made to this Court by a number 
of the inhabitants of the plantation called Sandy River, in the 
county of Lincoln to have said plantation with the inhabitants 
thereon, incorporated into a town and the same being considered 
of public utility. 



68 HISTORY OF farmington: 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in 
General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, that 
the plantation called Sandy River in the county of Lincoln bounded 
as follows, viz : 

Beginning at a maple tree marked on the bank of Sandy River 
at the southeast corner of said plantation, thence running north 
eight miles and fifty-six rods to a beech tree marked, thence west 
five miles and two hundred rods to a bass-wood tree marked, thence 
south tvv'o miles, thence south thirteen degrees east three miles, 
thence south twenty-five degrees east three miles, thence south 
thirty-five degrees east two miles one hundred and fourteen rods to 
a hemlock tree marked, thence north sixty-seven degrees east one 
mile one hundred and ninety rods, thence north forty-nine degrees 
east one mile and ninety rods to Sandy River, thence down said 
river about half a mile to the bound first mentioned, together with 
the inhabitants thereon be and hereby are incorporated into a town 
by the name of Farmington and vested with all the power and 
privileges and immunities, which towns in this Commonwealth do, 
or may by law enjoy. 

And be it further enacted that William Reed, Esq., be, and he 
hereby is empowered to make out a warrant directed to some 
principal inhabitant of said town to notify the inhabitants thereof 
qualified by law to vote in town affairs to assemble and meet at 
some suitable time and place in said town to choose all such town 
officers as towns are required by law to choose in the month of 
March or April annually. 

Agreeable to the provisions of this act, William Reed, 
Esq., issued a warrant for the assembling of the first town- 
meeting at the house of Dr. Thomas Flint, April 7, 1794, at 
"ten of the clock in the forenoon." At this meeting votes 
were received for a governor and lieutenant-governor, sena- 
tor, county treasurer, and town ofificers. Seventy votes were 
cast for governor, and all for Samuel Adams. The votes for 
lieutenant-governor were all for Moses Gill ; and Nathaniel 
Thwing, of Woolwich, received the unanimous vote for county 
treasurer. For senator, Daniel Cony received seventy-four 
votes and Nathaniel Dummer one. The warrant provided 
for the election of no less than seventeen different kinds of 
town officers, and so large a number of citizens were required 



F/RST TOWN MEETING. 69 

to fill them that few inhabitants went from town-meeting 
without receiving the suffrage of their fellows. From a 
township without name or rules, Farmington in one brief 
day was converted into a municipality, with thirty-two of its 
citizens armed with the authority of government. 

Solomon Adams was chosen moderator; Capt. Supply 
Belcher, clerk ; Peter Corbett, Capt. Ezekiel Porter, and 
Enoch Craig, selectmen and assessors ; Moses Starling, 
Esq., treasurer ; Benjamin Whittier, Esq., constable and col- 
lector ; Samuel Sewall, Benjamin Weathern, Stephen Tit- 
comb, Joshua Bullen, Robert Jones, Ebenezer Sweet, Moses 
Starling, Esq., Jotham Smith, Oliver Bailey, and Ephraim 
Butterfield, surveyors of the highway; Benjamin Butler and 
Benjamin Whittier, Esq., surveyors of lumber; Lemuel Per- 
ham and Samuel Butterfield, wardens ; Moses Chandler and 
Church Brainerd, tithing-men ; Capt. Elijah Butler and Reu- 
ben Lowell, sealers of leather ; Lieut. John Church, Peter 
Gay, Thomas Hiscock, and Solomon Adams, fence-viewers ; 
Andrew Norton, Peter Gay, and Stephen Titcomb, inspect- 
ors of fisheries ; Thomas Wendell and Reuben Butterfield, 
field-drivers; Elijah Norton and James Cowen, hog-reeves; 
and Thomas Flint, pound-keeper. 

The shades of night were probably falling when the newly- 
fledged citizens wended their way homeward, after disposing 
of the weighty matters offered for their deliberation at this 
first town-meeting. Within six weeks another meeting was 
called for May 22, to take into consideration necessary meas- 
ures for town improvements. Three hundred pounds* were 
voted for the improvement of roads, a part of which was 
devoted to the building of a bridge across the mill-stream at 
the site of the present Norcross bridge. Moses Starling, 
P2sq., took the contract to build the bridge for a hundred and 
fifty bushels of merchantable wheat. The sum of sixty 
pounds was also voted to the support of schools, and fifteen 
pounds to defray town charges. It was also voted to build 



*A pound was equal to three dollars and thirty-three and one-tl)ird cents 
of federal eurrencv. 



70 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

a pound, on Thomas Flint's lot, thirty feet square between 
joints and seven feet high. 

For a time all ran smoothly in town politics ; but it was 
not long before the leaven of federal animosities began to 
work. The inhabitants of the little hamlet had been some- 
what agitated by the party spirit which had run so high dur- 
ing the exciting period when Jay's treaty was pending. It 
has even been said that one good and staunch democrat, or 
republican as they were then styled, cherished the bad blood 
engendered by the consummation of that treaty for more 
than twenty years, and refused to attend Fast Day services, 
saying lie had no need to go to fast, but it was all very well 
for the federalists. For the first four years of its organiza- 
tion the town voted to send no representative to General 
Court, but in 1798 the citizens deemed it best to make their 
voice felt in the halls of legislation. Two candidates were 
in the field. Supply Belcher as a federalist, and Ezekiel Por- 
ter as a republican. Mr. Belcher received fifty-seven votes, 
a majority of twelve over his opponent, and took his seat in 
the session of the General Court which convened at Boston 
the last Wednesday of May, 1798. During that year Con- 
gress imposed a direct tax of two million of dollars to be 
laid upon the United States and apportioned to the several 
states. To the State of Massachusetts the sum of $260,- 
435-34 was apportioned. Massachusetts was divided into 
nine districts, the first consisting of the counties of Hancock, 
Washington, and Lincoln. There were three supervisors, 
viz.: Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, then Collector of the 
Port of Boston, Col. John Brooks, afterwards Governor, and 
Mr. Jackson. The eleventh district of the first division of 
the State of Massachusetts included the towns of P'armins:- 
ton, New Sharon, and Anson, and the plantations of Tyng- 
town (Wilton), Wyman's Plantation (Chesterville), and 
Greenstown. Supply Belcher was appointed the principal 
assessor of this district, and his assistants were Reuben 
Lowell, Zachariah Norton, of Farmington ; Joshua B. Low- 
ell, and Dummer Sewall, of Chester ; Cornelius Norton, Jr., 
of New Vineyard ; Jeremiah Smith, of New Sharon, and 
Lsaiah Wood. 



FEDERAL TAX. 



71 



In the returns of this district made Oct. i, 1798, the 
following list appears of persons owning dwelling-houses on 
lots not exceeding two acres in any case, of a greater value 
than one hundred dollars : 



Zachariah Norton. 
Joseph Pease. 
Ezekiel Porter. 
Moses Starling. 
Aaron Stoyell. 
Ebenezer Sweet. 
Stephen Titcomb. 
Thomas Wendell. 
Peter Corbett. 
John Church, 
Benjamin Dielson. 
Joseph Fairbanks. 
Jesse Gould. 
Thomas Hiscock. 
Lemuel Howes. 
Samuel Knowhon. 
Reuben Lowell. 
Solomon Adams. 
Eliphalet Bailey. 
Church Brainerd. 
Jonas Butterfield. 



Ebenezer Norton. 
Polly Parker. 
Abner Ramsdell. 
Hugh Stewart. 
Samuel Sewall. 
Francis Tufts. 
Benjamin Whittier. 
Benjamin Weathern. 
Enoch Craig. 
Enoch Coffin. 
Robert Eaton. 
William Gower. 
Robert Gower. 
John Holley. 
Benjamin Heath. 
Jonathan Knowlton. 
Joseph Merrill. 
Samuel Butterfield. 
Benjamin Butler. 
Supply Belcher. 
Abel Sweet. 



The appointment of the Assessors, or the manner in 
which the assessment was made, was not satisfactory to all 
the people of Farmington, and party spirit began to be mani- 
fest. A warrant was issued for a town-meeting for Dec. 13, 
containing the following articles : 



To see if the town will take into consideration the appointment 
of federal assessors and act thereon as the town thinks proper. 

To see if the town will address his excellency the governor and 
council on any former or future appointments in the town. 

To see if the town will take some measures to prevent their 
representative from a seat in the General Court next session or 
give him further instructions. 



72 HISTORY OF FARMINGTOAT. 

In accordance with the warrant the town assembled at 
the house of Moses Starling, Esq. The republican spirit 
was in the ascendant. Ebenezer Norton was chosen mod- 
erator. A written motion was adopted to the effect " that 
this town has a very high regard for the Federal government 
and its administration, though they are dissatisfied with the 
appointment of federal assessors in one district, which we 
impute to designing men and not to the government." It 
was furthermore voted that the selectmen be a committee to 
address the governor and council respecting former and 
future appointments in this town. When they came to con- 
sider the article in respect to their representative, it was 
thought best to choose a committee to wait on Supply Bel- 
cher, Esq., and consult him in regard to the matter. Hart- 
son Cony, Lieut. Moses Chandler, and Solomon Adams 
were detailed for this duty, and returned with a verbal report 
to this effect: "He sayeth he has the good of his constitu- 
ents at heart, and that he should not give a categorical ans- 
wer whether he should attend the General Court the winter 
session or not." Not having a "categorical" answer before 
them, they proceeded to poll the house in order to test the 
sense of the meeting upon the advisability of instructing 
their representative to stay at home. Forty voted for him 
to remain at home and not one voted for him to go. A com- 
mittee was then appointed, consisting of Hartson Cony, 
Lieut. Moses Chandler, and Ebenezer Norton, to take such 
measures as they shall think most proper respecting their 
representative ; and Moses Chandler was furthermore chosen 
an agent to proceed to Boston on matters respecting the 
representative, if the committee think proper. 

A large body of the federalists kept sternly aloof from 
this meeting, and showed their disapprobation not only by 
their absence, but by a protest against the object of the 
meeting. This protest, duly entered upon the town books, 
reads as follows : 

PROTEST. 

We the subscribers inhabitants of the town of Farmington 
upon due consideration do hereby solemnly protest against the 



LOCAL DISSENSIONS. 73 

town proceeding to consider the articles in their warrant of the 
28th of November 1798, and request that said protest be entered 
on the records of said town. 

First : It is our opinion that the assessors under the law of 
Congress of the 9th of July 1798 ought not to receive any impedi- 
ment in the due execution of their office and we most cheerfully 
comply with and approve the measures of general government, and 
as far as in our power will use our endeavors to carry into effect 
the wise and well adopted laws of the Union ; and from the con- 
versation of a number of persons we fully believe the town meet- 
ing calculated to promote opposition and dissension among the 
inhabitants and will bring the town into disrepute and disgrace, 
and has direct tendency to promote sedition, — and we further pro- 
test against acting on any of these articles (excepting y^ ist, 4th, 
and 7th ) in said warrant as not calculated in wisdom or prudence 
nor consistent with the constituted government under which we 
live, and without any just cause or reasonable complaint. 

December loth 1798. 

Supply Belcher. Stephen Titcomb. 

Enoch Craig. Lemuel Perham, 

Rufus Allen. David Cothren. 

Reuben Lowell. Thomas Wendell. 

Samuel Sewall. Church Brainerd. 

Benjamin Heath. Abraham Smith. 

Thomas Odell. Joseph Pease. 

Joseph Norton. Stephen Norton. 

Abner Ramsdell. Eliphalet Bailey. 

Oliver Hartwell. Ebenezer Sweet. 
Samuel BuUen. 

It was not often in these early years that the wind of 
federal politics blew dissension into these quiet camps ; but 
local politics were always a live issue. From the incorpora- 
tion of the town two factions were arrayed one against the 
other. The patriotic sons of Dunstable had in their veins 
the blood of the Puritans, and bore the remembrance of 
many a well-fought Revolutionary field. The men of Mar- 
tha's Vineyard, if of more obscure lineage, had defended 
their country on the sea no less valiantly than their brothers 



74 HISTORY OF FARAflNGTOIV. 

on the land. They had braved not only the cannon of the 
enemy, but the terrors of the deep as well. Transferred to 
new and untried scenes, both parties claimed the right to 
rule by reason of valor displayed in many a bloody contest. 
On one side were the Butterfields, the Baileys, the Jen- 
ningses, the Perhams, the Woodses, the Goulds ; on the 
other, the Nortons, the Holleys, the Stewarts, the Butlers ; 
and many others by intermarriage with one side or the 
other were ready to hurrah for their chosen clan. In every 
town-meeting the struggle was renewed. Should the honor 
and emolument of public office go into the Dunstable or the 
Vineyard camp .'' But the balance of power was held by the 
outsiders. There were men from Augusta and from Dam- 
ariscotta and from Topsham, as well as from other places, 
who were perfectly willing to watch the contest and quietly 
take the offices. It was not alone at the polls that the con- 
testants tested their strength. In wrestling matches and 
lifting at heavy weights, in which the Vineyardites staked 
their fortunes on Elijah Norton and Cheney Butler, and the 
Dunstable men on Silas Perham and Jonas Butterfield, Jr., 
they each struggled for supremacy. Theological warfare was 
inaugurated. The Dunstable men were largely Universal- 
ists, and the Vineyard party Baptists, — and hot and heavy 
were the volleys of doctrine discharged around the winter 
firesides. It was not until the eighth year after the formation 
of the town that victory perched on the banner of the Vine- 
yard party, and they elected two selectmen. But it was a 
short-lived triumph. A sudden and swift revolution doomed 
the victors to the ranks, and matters went on as before. But 
the backbone of the controversy was broken, and in 1804 
we find a Vineyard lion and a Dunstable lamb nibbling 
peaceably together at the public crib. 

The early town-meetings were of serious importance to 
the towns-people. They were pure examples of undefiled 
democracy. The government was of the people and for the 
people and by the people. They delegated their powers to 
few committees or representatives, but upon all questions 
concerning public weal acted in their corporate capacity. 



EARLY WARRANTS. 75 

The articles of the early warrants include subjects as diverse 
as the settlement of a minister and the care of straying cat- 
tle. To see what the town will do in regard to a standard of 
weights and measures ; to see if the taxes of A, B, and C 
be abated ; to see what the town will do in regard to letting 
rams run at large ; to see if the town will vote that town- 
meetings open at the time specified in the warrant ; to see 
what the town will do to regulate horses, swine, sheep ; to 
see if the town will petition the General Court to have a 
lottery to build a bridge, and ferries — these are some of the 
subjects on which the citizens were called to deliberate. 



CHAPTER IV. 

RECORD FROM THE OPENING OF THE CENTURY UNTIL 
THE WAR OF 1812. 

Growth of Town. — Mills. — First Meeting-House. — Center Meeting-House. 
— Bridges. — Aurora Borealis. — Dysentery. — Increase of Population 
and Wealth. 

When the year 1800 opened, it found Farmington already 
a thriving farming community. The population had in- 
creased to 942, and the valuation of estates to $58,652, or 
more than double the amount at the incorporation. The 
population was scattered over the whole area of the town, 
and a large portion of the lots were taken. Hardly more 
than a nucleus of the village was formed. At Farmington 
Falls, in addition to the saw and grist-mills owned by Jones 
and Knowlton, a fulling-mill had been erected by Jonathan 
Knowlton, who sold in 1797 to Jeremiah Stinchfield and a 
Mr. Stanley. The mill passed into Mr. Stinchfield's entire 
control in 1799. A carding-machine was also put in opera- 
tion at the same place during the year 1800, by Blake and 
Morrill. Thomas Whittier and Nathaniel Bishop opened a 
store about 1796. Their business was sold to Zachariah 
Butterfield in 1798. 

At what is now Fairbanks, Jason D. Cony erected a 
grist-mill in 1794, in connection with Robert Jones, who 
owned the mill privilege. In 1797 or 1798, it passed into 
the hands of his brother, Hartson Cony, who put up a saw- 
mill near the site of the present mill. This mill was carried 



FIRST MEETING-HOUSE. 77 

away in the freshet of 1799. Although the principal mills 
were thus located in the upper and lower sections of the 
town, the site of the present village was marked as the 
future business center of the town. The old county road 
was located in 1793, under the hill west of the village, but in 
1797 a new road was laid out, leaving the old road near 
where the railroad station now stands, following the course 
of Front and Pleasant Sts., and continuing northerly until it 
struck the old road on the Craig farm. In 1795 the Perham 
road was located, having the same course as the present 
Broadway, and running out to the eastern part of the town. 

Trade was begun at the center in 1792, by Hartson Cony, 
who opened a store in a part of Mr. Church's log-house. In 
1799, David Moore, from Groton, Mass., commenced business 
in Mr. Church's framed house, but the following year built a 
combined house and store on the present Pleasant St. This 
house, with Mr. Church's, Dr. Stoyell's, and Mr. Sweet's, 
were probably the only houses in the Center Village in 1800. 

Dr. Stoyell established himself in his profession in 1794, 
and in 1800 Henry V. Chamberlain began the practice of 
law, both at the center of the town. As yet no minister was 
settled, although an article was each year inserted in the 
warrant for town-meeting to see if the town would raise a 
sum for preaching, but the article was as regularly dismissed. 
Through the enterprise of a few individuals, chiefly of 
Stephen Titcomb and Jonathan Knowlton, a meeting-house 
was erected at Farmington Falls in 1799. It stood upon 
the bank of the river on the present site of the Union 
school-house. No church organization was connected with 
it, although the individuals interested in building it were, for 
the most part, Methodists ; and the Methodist class formed 
at a little before, had almost exclusive control of it. The 
building was, as may be supposed, a rude structure. It was 
built two stories high, with gable ends, and a porch on the 
eastern side. The outside was clapboarded though never 
painted, and the inside was never finished, nor furnished with 
pews. The upper story was not divided from the lower, nor 
were its windows glazed. The small boys of the period who 



78 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

sat to listen to Parson Smith's discourses, sat on hard 
benches, but were, partly compensated by watching the swal- 
lows fly about the unclosed beams. For the prophecy of old 
was fulfilled, and the sparrow found a house and the swallow 
a nest for herself where she might lay her young upon the 
altar of the Lord of Hosts, in this first rude sanctuary of 
our fathers. 

Public worship was held in this house more or less until 
1826, when the Union meeting-house was built, after which 
it gradually went to decay. The burying-ground formerly 
connected with it has been abandoned, and only one or two 
stones are left to mark its site. 

CENTER MEETING-HOUSE. 

As early as 1796, the question of the town's building a 
meeting-house in its corporate capacity at the center of the 
town, began to be discussed. In March, 1797, proposals for 
building such a house were received, and a vote of the town 
obtained "that the meeting-house be built according to the 
proposals produced at this meeting, and that it shall be built 
on Mr. Sheppar's lot, so-called, where the road turns to the 
river." Where Mr. Sheppar's lot was is not known, but it 
seems evident that no further efforts were made toward erect- 
ing the house on this spot, for at the town-meeting in March, 
1800, we find that Moses Chandler, Solomon Adams, Ezekiel 
Porter, Church Brainerd, Jonathan Knowlton, Hartson Cony, 
and Jotham Smith, were chosen a committee to receive from 
P^benezer Sweet and John Church, such proposals as they 
shall make respecting accommodations for the town to build 
a meeting-house; and in April, 1801, Benjamin Butler, 
Moses Starling, and Church Brainerd were chosen to draw 
up a plan for the house and to receive proposals for building 
the same. The plan presented by Benjamin ^Butler was 
accepted at the next meeting, and a committee of seventeen, 
consisting of Samuel Brown, Stephen Titcomb, Solomon 
Adams, Church Brainerd, Supply Belcher, Abiathar Green, 
John Holley, Zachariah Norton, Zachariah Clough, Moses 




CENTER MEETING-HOUSE. ERECTED IN 1803. 



CENTER MEETING-HOUSE. 79 

Chandler, Jonathan Cushman, Thomas Odell, Ezekiel Por- 
ter, John F. Woods, Ephraim Butterfield, Timothy Smith, 
and Samuel Knowlton, was appointed to contract for build- 
ing the house according to Benjamin Butler's plan. 

September 17, 1801, the committee presented the follow- 
ing report, which was accepted, and Supply Belcher, Hartson 
Cony, and David Moore, were chosen a committee on the 
part of the town to see the contracts executed. 

The Meeting house committee met to receive proposals for 
building a meeting house at or near the center of the town and 
report as followeth : That Mr. Church Brainerd, Mr. Benjamin 
Butler and Mr. Eliakim Norton have agreed to build said meeting 
house according to Mr. Benjamin Butler's plan as accepted by the 
town in May last. The contractors agree to put up said house and 
finish the outside, all but glazing, in one year from this date and 
then receive two hundred and thirty dollars from the town, and in 
two years from the date to finish the house complete in the best 
Tuscan order and paint the house outside and inside with good 
handsome color, and underpin said house with good handsome 
hewn stones and put good door stones to the house, in short, the 
said house to be finished complete in every part for a further con- 
sideration of what money shall or may arise from the sale of all 
the pews in said house which is to be sold at a public vendue to 
the highest bidder or bidders in a town meeting duly warned for 
that purpose, provided it does not exceed three years from the date 
of this report. 

SAMUEL BROWN, Chairman. 

It does not appear that the town went forward to carry 
out this contract, for six months later, March 9, 1802, a 
voluntary association of individuals representing different 
religious denominations was formed for the purpose of effect- 
ing the erection of the long-desired house of public worship. 
The compact was as follows : 

March 9, 1802. We the subscribers, desirous to unite and add 
to the respectability of the town Farmington, and sensible that 
this end can be accomplished in no way so well as by building a 
Meeting House for public and social worship near the center of 



8o 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTOlSr. 



said town, do agree to form ourselves into a body politic, with a 
determined resolution to effect the building of such meeting house 
at our own expense, on such plan as the subscribers, at a meeting 
to be held for that purpose, shall agree upon. 



Solomon Adams. 
Peter Corbett. 
David Moors. 
Supply Belcher. 
Jason D. Cony. 
Samuel Butterfield. 
Moses Starling. 
Thomas Hiscock. 
Henry V. Chamberlain. 
Timothy Johnson. 
Benjamin Butler. 
John Holley. 
Jonathan Cushman. 
Ezra Thomas. 
Thomas Wendell. 
Ezekiel Porter. 
Benjamin Butler, Jr. 
Ebenezer Norton. 
Timothy Smith. 
Jabez Gay. 
Ephraim Norton. 
Zachariah Norton. 
Abel Sweet. 
Enoch Craig. 



Church Brainerd. 
Eliakim Norton., 
Elijah Norton. 
Rufus Allen. 
Sanford Davis. 
Joseph Norton. 
Jeremy Wyman. 
Jonathan Graves. 
Joseph Fairbanks. 
Zenas Backus. 
Samuel Brown. 
Oliver Bailey. 
Daniel Stanley. 
William Lewis. 
Henry Stewart. 
Aaron Stoyell. 
Abraham Smith. 
Andrew Norton. 
Elijah Butler. 
Eliphalet Bailey. 
Ebenezer White. 
Stephen Titcomb. 
John Church. 



The name by w^hich the society vi^as known w^as "The 
First Meeting-House Society in the Center of Farmington," 
afterward incorporated, in 1822, as the " Proprietors of Center 
Meeting-House." Mr. David Moore, the treasurer, presented 
a plan for the building, which was accepted, and an auction 
sale of pews according to the plan was made to defray 
expenses. The total sum derived from this sale was 1^4,670, 
and the purchasers of the pews were as follows : 



Eliakim Norton, 


No. I 


Broad aisle 


$100 


Ebenezer Norton, 


No. 9 


<( 


100 



CENTER MEETTJVG-HOUSE. 



8l 



Timothy Smith, 


No. 25 


Body 


$ 85 


Henry V. Chamberlain, 


No. 17 


u 


75 


Elijah Norton, 


No, 32 


Wall 


80 


Samuel Butterfield, 


No. 10 


Broad aisle 


85 


Zachariah Norton, 


No. 2 


« 


85 


David Moors, 


No. II 


a 


105 


Ezekiel Porter, 


No. 3 


« 


loS 


John HoUey, 


No. 4 


(( 


95 


Timothy Pease, 


No. 12 


(( 


105 


Timothy Johnson, 


No. 13 


a 


90 


Joseph Norton, 


No. 5 


u 


85 


Zaccheus Mayhew, 


No. 31 


Wall 


no 


Henry Stewart, 


No. 15 


u 


95 


Enoch Craig, 


No. 7 


u 


65 


Jesse Gould, 


No. 14 


u 


65 


John Church, 


No. 9 


(( 


65 


Jonathan Graves, 


No. 8 


« 


60 


Reuben Butterfield, 


No. 19 


« 


70 


Daniel Stanley, 


No. 20 


u 


60 


Andrew Norton, 


No. 21 


u 


50 


Edward Butler, 


No. 13 


u 


65 


David Cowen, 


No. 12 


a 


55 


Ezra Thomas, 


No. 10 


a 


55 


Timothy Pease, 


No. II 


li 


50 


Abner Ramsdell, 


No. 23 


(t 


55 


Bassett Norton, 


No. 24 


(( 


55 


Solomon Adams, 


No. 22 


" 


55 


William Lewis, 


No. 27 


Body 


65 


Abraham Smith, 


No. 19 


u 


60 


Jabez Gay, 


No. 32 


(( 


50 


Jonathan Cushman, 


No. 24 


li 


50 


Peter Corbett, 


No. 21 


a 


55 


Abner Ramsdell, 


No. 28 


u 


•65 


Ephraim Norton, 


No. 2 


Wall 


105 


William Lewis, 


No. 14 


Broad aisle 


90 


Oliver Bailey, 


No. 5 


(( 


90 


Jason D. Cony, 


No. 30 


Wall 


90 


Abel Sweet, 


No. 7 


Broad aisle 


75 


Eliphalet Bailey, 


No. 15 


11 


85 


Silas Perham, 


No. 16 


li 


75 



82 



HISTORY OF FARMTNGTON. 



Aaron Stoyell, 


No. 


8 


Broad aisle 


$ 65 


Ebenezer White, 


No. 


3 


Wall 


IIO 


Nathan Backus, 


No. 


29 


a 


ICO 


Elijah Butler, 


No. 


28 


li 


65 


Moses Starling, 


No. 


i8 


Body 


75 


James Rowings, 


No. 


26 


u 


75 


Rufus Allen, 


No. 


27 


Wall 


65 


Aaron Stoyell, 


No. 


26 


a 


70 


Church Brainerd, 


No. 


25 


k( 


65 


u u 


No. 


4 


a 


70 


Benjamin Butler, Jr., 


No. 


5 


u 


50 


Stephen Titcomb, 


No. 


6 


<( 


50 


Aaron Stoyell, 


No. 


18 


1.1. 


105 


David Davis, 


No. 


17 


a 


95 


Samuel Brown, 


No. 


16 


(( 


95 


Joseph Badger, 


No. 


20 


Body 


55 


Jeremy Wyman, 


No. 


30 


u 


60 


Thomas Hiscock, 


No. 


22 


(.1, 


50 


Hartson Cony, 


No. 


29 


a 


65 


Zebulon True, 


No. 


23 


(( 


50 


Stephen Titcomb, 


No. 


31 


a 


55 



As originally built, the church was sixty-five feet long and 
forty-five feet w^ide, and contained sixty-four pews on the 
floor. The wall pews occupied the four sides of the house 
save where the pulpit stood and the doors opened, and after 
the .nannerof the times were square, high-backed boxes, roomy 
enough to accommc ate the generous sized families of the 
period. The broad aisle extended from the pulpit to the 
west entrance, and the eight pews on each side of this aisle 
were the dearly-loved upper seats in the synagogue, and were 
as eagerly sought as in the days of the Pharisees. Mr. 
Scott's work on the pews was voted satisfactory by the com- 
mittee appointed to oversee it ; and we can imagine the 
delight with which they viewed the fine workmanship 
which he had expended upon them. The clearest pine of 
most beautiful grain had been selected, fashioned into backs, 
sides, and doors, and adorned with panels. No paint con- 
cealed the natural beauty of the wood, and time was allowed 



CENTER MEETING-HOUSE. 83 

to add its tint of rich brown. Galleries ran around three 
sides of the building, supported by six Corinthian pillars. 
The singers, led by Squire Belcher, and accompanied by 
John Titcomb's flute, occupied the seats opposite the pulpit 
and led the congregation in Mear and St. Martin's. I'he 
pulpit was a structure most awful and imposing. It occupied 
a place on the east side of the house, on a level with the 
gallery. A long staircase led to it, and when once the 
minister was in, and the door shut, little could be seen of him 
until he arose to open the service. 

Two porches of generous size stood at each end of the 
building, and an entrance was also made through a portico 
on the west side. When finished, this church was intrinsically 
a noble structure ; and, considering the condition of the people 
and the time in which it was built, the enterprise reflects 
great credit upon the town. Here, for nearly a third of a 
century, divine service was held on each Lord's Day, and 
hither the people came to worship. In the winter the good 
dames brought their foot-stove, and in summer their sprays 
of southernwood, and upon the cushionless seats listened to 
the fervent appeals of their favorite preacher. Improvements 
on the building were made from time to time. A steeple 
was added on the south in 1827, and at that time the porches 
were removed and the entrance at the north end abandoned. 
Public worship was maintained by the different religious 
societies in proportion to their ownership, until the vai^ous 
denominations erected meeting-houses' "of their own, when 
the meeting-house became abandoned as a church. Upon 
the organization of Franklin County, in 1838, the proprietors 
released their interest in the upper story to the county, 
when it was remodeled for a court-room. The lower part 
was rented for a town-house until 1880, and in 1884 the 
proprietors sold what further rights they possessed in the 
building and site to the county for ^750. 

An undertaking of even more magnitude and importance 
than the erection of this house of worship, was the building 
and endowment of the Academy in 1807. This labor, under- 
taken at a time of great financial depression in the country, 



84 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

was one which strained the resources of the people to the 
utmost, and its successful accomplishment speaks volumes 
for the high character and purposes of these early settlers. 

BRIDGES. 

The pressing need of a bridge over Sandy River was one 
of the principal reasons assigned for the incorporation of the 
town. But no sooner was the town organized and the matter 
discussed, than it was found that local jealousy was so 
strong that the town could not agree upon the location of 
the bridge. Three bridges seemed to be required, and the 
town, unable to incur so heavy a cost in its corporate capacity, 
waited year after year until the necessities of the people 
should overbalance their local enmities. It was proposed to 
have a lottery to raise the funds necessary for the erection 
of a bridge, and the town voted in 1797 to petition the Gen- 
eral Court for the requisite permission. Nothing seems to 
have come of the attempt, and the people who were obliged 
to cross the river, continued to ford, to ferry in rafts or row 
over in boats. Owing to the unwillingness of the citizens 
to locate a bridge, the three first bridges were built by 
private subscription. The one first erected was built at the 
center of the town on a continuation of the Perham road 
laid out on the dividing line between the Church and Stoyell 
lots, across the river and thence northerly around the hill, 
intersecting the county road near the present residence of 
Cyrus A. Thomas. This bridge was built by Capt. Benjamin 
Butler, who contracted with Ezekiel Porter and Timothy 
Johnson, a committee in behalf of the subscribers to the 
building fund, to erect the bridge for the sum of $1000 to 
be paid upon its completion. Capt. Butler began its erection 
in 1805, and it was finished and made passable in 1808. It 
was considerably damaged by a freshet in 1 8 1 2, and the town 
at a meeting held Sept. 25, 181 3, voted to raise the sum of 
$150 to be appropriated for repairs. The bridge was again 
injured and rendered impassable by a freshet in 1814, and 
the road was so badly gullied upon the east shore that it 
was deemed advisable to abandon the site, and the old 



BRIDGES. 85 

structure was suffered to go to decay. The road across the 
interval, as well as the portion on the west side of the river, 
was discontinued in 18 14. The second bridge across Sandy 
River was built at the Falls village in 1808. It was designa- 
ted as "Jeremiah Stinchfield's bridge," from the fact that 
he was a liberal donor to the enterprise. In 1813 the town 
voted "to accept Jeremiah Stinchfield's bridge, and that it 
become town property." A portion of it was carried away 
by the freshet in 18 14, and was repaired at the expense of 
the town. In the great freshet of October 16, 1820, the 
bridge was completely swept away, and on the 6th of 
November following, a town-meeting was called for the pur- 
pose of taking measures to rebuild. At this meeting, held 
by adjournment, measures were adopted for erecting a 
bridge the next year, and a committee was raised for the 
purpose of meeting a committee representing the town of 
Chesterville with a view of more clearly defining the j^ropor- 
tions of the bridge which the respective towns should build 
and maintain. This committee from the two towns, mutually 
agreed and determined "that the boundary line for building 
a bridge across Sandy River at the falls between said towns 
shall be eighty-five feet southerly on the road as laid out 
across said river, from the top peak of the ledge on the 
northerly side of said river," and this division has been 
scrupulously maintained to the present time. A new bridge 
was erected in 1821 by the respective towns, each building 
its part as assigned by the committee, the proportions being 
about two-thirds to Farmington and one-third to Chester- 
ville. This bridge was carried away by a freshet in April, 
1827, and the Farmington part rebuilt the same year by Maj. 
John Russ. It was again carried away, in 1828, and again 
rebuilt by Maj. Russ. A high freshet which occurred in the 
spring of 1831 swept away the bridge, and in 1832 this town 
took measures, in connection with the town of Chesterville, 
to construct a bridge on the same site, but in a more 
thorough and permanent manner than had yet been done. 
Accordingly contracts were made for the erection of stone 
piers and abutments of split granite and for a covered 



S6 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

superstructure on "Long's plan." The form of construction 
and weight of granite gave a strength and permanence to 
the structure which has withstood, with slight repairs, the 
"ice freshets" for more than half a century, thus demon- 
strating the wisdom of its projectors. Jonathan Swan and 
Sewall Gordon were the contractors for the stone-work, and 
Col. Thomas Lancaster of New Sharon, a skillful bridge 
architect, had charge of the superstructure. Chesterville 
unfortunately lost its portion of the bridge in the great 
freshet of October 4, 1869, by reason of its being swept from 
its foundation by Thomas Williams' saw-mill, which stood a 
short distance above. 

The third bridge across the river was built in 181 1, by 
voluntary subscriptions, and was known as the "Fairbanks'" 
bridge. The town incurred no expense in its erection or 
maintenance until 181 3, when it "voted to accept the Joseph 
Fairbanks' bridge, and that it become town property ;" and at 
the same meeting seventy-five dollars were raised to repair the 
same. This bridge was carried away by the freshet of May, 
1 8 14, and rebuilt the next year at the expense of the town. 
In the great freshet of October 16, 1820, the west end was 
carried away, and it was again repaired. In the autumn of 
1825 the structure became unsafe and measures were taken 
to rebuild. A contract was entered into between the town 
and Maj. John Russ, by which the latter agreed to erect and 
maintain for a period of ten years, a "good and sufficient" 
bridge across the river at this point for the sum of $890. 
The west end of the bridge was swept away by the freshet 
of May, 1832, and the river was considerably broadened by the 
washing away of its west bank. Maj. Russ, after consider- 
able delay, rebuilt to a point as far west as the bridge 
originally stood, and declined to do more — leaving a space of 
some sixty feet to be filled. The town voted to put Maj. 
Russ' bond in suit for the purpose of compelling what it 
regarded as a compliance with its terms and conditions, but 
after much controversy and delay the town concluded that 
in this case discretion might be the better part of valor, and 
filled the gap. It became necessary in 1838 to reconstruct 



BRIDGES. 87 

the Fairbanks' bridge at this point, and the town very wisely- 
concluded to use split granite piers and abutments, and to 
erect a covered superstructure modeled upon "Long's plan." 
In pursuance of this plan, contracts were made with William 
Smith and Allen Bangs for building the east pier, with 
Warren Voter for building the center and west piers, and 
with Joseph Fairbanks for the superstructure. This bridge 
was finished and made passable in the autumn of 1838, 
and was regarded as a permanent structure ; but time and 
freshets try all things. On the 26th of January, 1839, after 
extreme cold weather, occurred a storm of unusual severity, 
amounting to a hurricane and accompanied by a copious rain 
which carried off the snow causing a great freshet, breaking 
up the thick ice and doing much damage to buildings as well 
as bridges up and down the river. During the night suc- 
ceeding this storm, it is supposed the superstructure of the 
Fairbanks' bridge was blown up stream, and then breaking 
up and mingling with the ice, was carried down the river. 
The center and west piers, being relieved of their weight, 
soon yielded to the pressure of the ice and toppled over. 
This bridge had been erected at a cost of about ^3,000, and 
a cheap one was built to replace it, in 1839, at an expense of 
$600, — the contractor, Joseph Fairbanks, being entitled to all 
the old material. In September, 1854, the town again voted 
to rebuild the center and west piers with split granite and a 
covered superstructure. A committee was appointed to 
superintend its erection. The stone-work was let to Charles 
A. McCrillis, and the wood-work to William H. Wyman. 
The bridge was again made passable in 1855, and withstood 
the great freshet of October 13th, of that year, with slight 
injury. Its cost was about $3,500, and it continued a safe 
and convenient structure, with occasional repairs upon the 
west end, until 1877. In the ice freshet of March 28, 1877, 
the center and west piers of the bridge were again under- 
mined and thrown down ; the wood-work dropped into the 
angry current and was swept down the river. The town at 
once took the necessary steps to replace it, and the board of 
selectmen delegated Zina H. Greenwood, one of their 



88 HISTORY OF FARMINGTOISr. 

number and a skillful bridge architect, to superintend its 
erection. In building the piers, piling was first driven by 
steam-power into the bed of the river; upon this were 
placed heavy blocks of granite, brought from Knowlton's 
quarry, laid in cement and confined by iron dowels. The 
piers were surmounted by an iron superstructure. The cost 
of this bridge was ^7,500. It was thoroughly built and 
gives promise of permanency. 

The present road across the river below the center of the 
town, was built about 18 16, and a bridge at this point was 
built in 181 8, at a cost of $2,000, one-fourth of the sum be- 
ing raised by private subscription. In common with other 
bridges, it suffered from the freshet of 1820, and was re- 
paired at the expense of the town. On account of the 
washing away of the east bank, it became necessary to 
lengthen it in 1827, when other repairs were also made. 
Owing to the constant travel upon this bridge and the fre- 
quent washing of the river banks by freshets, this bridge has 
been a constant expense to the town. It was entirely rebuilt 
in 183 1, when stone abutments and a stone pier were erected 
and a fill made between the eastern abutment and the high 
bank. "Long's plan" was adopted for the superstructure, 
and the bridge gave promise of permanence. But March 26, 
1 841, it fell, by its own weight, no one being upon it at the 
time, although a team loaded with mill logs had passed over 
but a few minutes before. The same year, the bridge was 
restored at a cost of about I700, and with frequent repairs, 
served its purpose fairly until 1853, when the town con- 
tracted with Robinson A. Davis to build upon the double X 
work principle, a new covered superstructure, with two 
tracks. Mr. Davis completed his contract to the satisfaction 
of the town, and in the autumn of that year the bridge was 
opened for public travel. The great freshet of October 13th, 
1855, threw down the east abutment and washed away the 
fill; the east span broke across the center pier and went 
down, leaving the west span standing, but in a precarious 
condition, as the pier was injured by the flood. The next 
year the east abutment and pier were rebuilt upon piling, 



BRIDGES. 89 

under the direction of Moses Chandler and David C. Morrill 
as a committee, and are regarded as permanent structures. 
Mr. Davis contracted for the wood-work upon the same 
model as the west span which was left in position. With 
ordinary repairs, this bridge stood until the great freshet of 
October 4th, 1869, when the west abutment was undermined 
and the superstructure, breaking across the pier as in 1855, 
the west span went down, and floated intact on to David 
Jennings' interval, twenty rods below. In this flood the 
filling between the east abutment and the high bank was 
carried away. Amidst the ruin and devastation caused by 
the freshet, grave doubts were expressed as to the propriety 
of building again upon the old site, but the travel at that 
time between the two villages was so great, and the public 
need so pressing, that the town decided to replace the bridge, 
and appointed Zina H. Greenwood and William S. Sewall as 
agents to superintend the work, at the same time instructing 
them to erect a wooden pier, between the stone pier and the 
west bank, by driving piling, and to cover with a super- 
structure, upon the low X work principle. The space be- 
tween the east abutment and bank, was filled partly by bridge 
work and partly by filling, Jacob C. Church being the con- 
tractor for the latter. The west abutment was reconstructed 
in a most permanent and thorough manner in 1871, with 
granite from Knowlton's quarry, at a cost of ^2,000. The 
east span, erected in 1856, began to show signs of decay, and 
a contract was made in 1879, with R. W. Weld of Lisbon, 
for the sum of ^1,700, to build the present structure, which 
has thus far proved satisfactory. 

Besides the three bridges which the town maintains 
across the river, the three large tributary streams make 
necessary other important bridges. It supports three bridges 
across the Wilson stream (one in connection with Chester- 
ville), five across the Temple stream, and four across the 
Fairbanks Mill stream. Many of these were erected before 
the opening of the century, and like the river bridges, have 
been a constant source of care and expense to the towns- 
people. 



90 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Few events in the history of the town lie between 1800 
and 1 8 10, save those already recorded. The remarkable 
Aurora Borealis of October 22, 1804, was viewed here with 
the same wonder which it excited over all this part of New 
England. The eclipse of June 16, 1806, was here very 
nearly total. The years were on the whole, fruitful years, 
although severe frosts in September, 1806, and also in 1808, 
seriously injured the corn. The town suffered from a singu- 
larly fatal visitation of dysentery in 1804. Between thirty 
and forty deaths are said to have occurred in consequence. 

The population steadily increased during the decade, and 
the census of 18 10 showed 1,639 inhabitants. Every lot of 
land in the limits of the town is said to have been taken at 
that time. The growth of the village was considerable. In 
addition to the meeting-house, Academy building, and 
bridges, several substantial dwellings had been erected, as 
well as a number of stores. The valuation had increased to 
$93761. 



CHAPTER V. 

SCHOOLS. 

Early Schools. — Wages. — Teachers. — First School-House. — Changes in 
School System after Separation. — School Districts. — Text-Books. — 
Academy. — Normal School. — Abbott Family School. — May School. 
— The Willows. — Graded Schools. — High School.— Public Funds. 

The early settlers took a lively interest in the education 
of their children. As nearly all of them had immigrated 
from the older towns of Massachusetts, where the common 
school system had long been established, most of these 
parents were men and women of- considerable education, and 
even of considerable culture. They therefore personally 
guided the instruction of their own children during the early 
years of the town's history. These fireside schools, attended 
after the work of the day was over, formed a pleasant feature 
of their rural life. There is not known to have been an 
illiterate person among the early settlers, and it is doubtful 
whether at any time in the history of the town an adult 
native-born citizen could be found, unable to read a clause in 
the constitution and write his name. 

Not long after the first settlement, home education of the 
children was supplemented by the employment of female 
teachers, and each settler was expected to yield a portion of 
his log-house, for a school-room, when it came his turn. 
Knitting and sewing were taught as a part of the regular 
system of instruction, a practice which prevailed for many 
years. The first school in town taught by a man, was opened 



92 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

in the winter of 1788-9, by Lemuel Perham, Jr., in a part of 
Robert Gower's log-house, on the farm now ( 1884) owned by 
Hiram Russ. Mr. Perham was from Dunstable, Mass., 
where he had previously taught school. The whole town at 
this time, may be said to have constituted one school district, 
and all scholars were at liberty to attend — and did very 
generally attend — each one contributing his proportion of 
the expense. This school drew a number of scholars from 
the west side of the river, and particularly from what is now 
West Farmington. Use was probably made of such text- 
books as Dilworth and Perry's Spelling Book, Perry's Dic- 
tionary, and Pike's Arithmetic. The study of grammar and 
geography had not been introduced at so early a period. 
The custom undoubtedly was, from this time until the incor- 
poration of the town, to employ girls in the summer and men 
in the winter to teach the youth in the several districts. 
The wages paid the teachers at this time, and they did not 
receive much more during the first forty years of the history 
of the town, were about seventy-five cents a week for women, 
and from ten to fifteen dollars a month for men, with "board 
round." Among the citizens of P'armington who were prom- 
inent as teachers previous to the end of the first quarter of 
the present century may be mentioned, Lemuel Perham, 
Supply Belcher, Thomas Wendell, Thomas D. Blake, Henry 
Cushman, Samuel Belcher, Francis Butler, Nathaniel Woods, 
Elihu Norton, Joseph Butterfield, Asa Butterfield, Asa 
Abbott, Hebron Mayhew, Nathan Mayhew, Daniel Davis, 
David Davis, John Allen, Benjamin Allen, Jedediah Thomas, 
William Brainerd, Josiah Brainerd, Moses Craig, and Joseph 
S. Craig. 

The first framed school-house in Farmington was erected 
previous to 1800, on the dividing line between lots No. 45 and 
No. 46 on the east side of the river. Dr. Thomas D. Blake 
taught school in this house in the winter of 1799- 1800, and 
one of his pupils told the writer that the first she knew of 
the death of President Washington was one morning when, 
upon the distribution of the copy-books, each pupil found set 
this copy : "Washington is dead." 



SCHOOLS. 93 

While no records in regard to public schools are to be 
found previous to the date of the incorporation of the town 
in 1794, yet it is apparent from what has been said, that the 
subject of education received early attention from the set- 
tlers. At the second town-meeting, held on the 22d of May, 
1794, it was voted "to raise sixty pounds for the benefit of 
schooling ; " and at the same meeting, Stephen Titcomb, 
Solomon Adams, Supply Belcher, Jason Cony, William 
Allen, Jotham Smith, Joseph Bradford, Moses Starling, 
Moses Chandler, and Reuben Lowell, were chosen to report 
the number and define the boundaries of the several school 
districts in town. This committee, at a meeting held on the 
first Monday of November, 1794, reported a recommendation 
to divide the town into ten school districts. This report was 
accepted by the town, but no record of it appears upon the 
books. The several school districts were not numbered 
until 1 81 2, when they had increased to sixteen. It seems to 
have been the custom that each member of the committee 
received from the treasury of the town the amount assigned 
his district, which he expended as he saw fit. 

After the separation of Maine from Massachusetts, many 
important laws and some salutary changes were adopted by 
the new government, several of which required correspond- 
ing changes in methods of doing town business. Some of 
these changes related to choosing school committees and 
agents ; to the amount of school tax, and to the assessment 
of school-house taxes upon real estate. 

To carry into effect the objects contemplated by the 
school law under the new State government, it became neces- 
sary to have the territorial limits of each school district 
exactly defined, and at a town-meeting in 1821, a committee 
consisting of Joseph Fairbanks, James Butterfield, and John 
Russ, was chosen to number and define the limits of the 
several districts. Upon the report of this committee, 
twenty-one districts were established, and numbered from 
one to twenty-one inclusive. These districts as thus estab- 
lished have, from time to time, been divided and subdivided 
until the present number reaches thirty-one. To define the 

13 



94 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

exact territorial limits of each would require a most thorough 
and complete examination of the town records. 

The separation of Maine from Massachusetts may be 
regarded as a new era in the cause of popular education. 
The efforts of the past had taken root for a more vigorous 
growth, and many changes took place which tended to give a 
new impetus to the cause. Many of the old text-books, 
such as Pike's Arithmetic, Alexander's Grammar, the Ameri- 
can Preceptor, Webster's Spelling Book, and Perry's Dic- 
tionary, had been supplanted by the introduction of Mur- 
ray's English Reader and Grammar, Kinne and Robinson's 
Arithmetic, and Walker's Dictionary, while geography was 
universally taught and made a part of the instruction in 
every school. Before the separation, a school committee was 
annually elected, made up usually of what is now termed 
school agents, whose duty it was to visit the schools. They 
seem also to have been clothed with general powers of 
supervision. The members of the committee, however, were 
selected with little regard to their qualifications to discharge 
the duties assigned them, and in practice amounted to very 
little. Under the new State governnient the law required 
towns to elect annually a superintending school committee, 
and the town has usually selected its most competent men 
for this position. Such are among the many causes which 
have tended rapidly to advance the cause of popular educa- 
tion during the last sixty years. 

FARMINGTON ACADEMY, 

Early in the present century a number of individuals, 
some of whom had been liberally educated, felt the impor- 
tance and necessity of providing a higher institution of 
learning, not only for the training of young men and women 
as teachers, but to furnish a preparatory school for students 
who might wish to enter college. The men of the period 
clearly foresaw that the establishment of an academy at 
Farmington would be of immense advantage to the rising 
generation, consequently they took measures to procure a 
charter from the General Court of Massachusetts, which was 
granted February 13, 1807. 



SCHOOLS. 95 

This charter was the twelfth which had been granted for 
academies to be located in the District of Maine, and con- 
tained the usual provision for establishing a board of trus- 
tees, with powers of management, etc., and defined the pur- 
poses of the institution. Prominent among these were the 
promotion of piety and morality, and the instruction of 
youth in such languages, arts and sciences as the trustees 
might direct. The movement for establishing academies in 
the District of Maine commenced in the latter part of the 
last century, and continued with remarkable rapidity and 
persistence, bringing into existence, for the next sixty years, 
an average of one academy each year. 

By a resolve of the General Court of Massachusetts, 
passed February 8, 1811, a grant was made to the trustees of 
Farmington Academy of a half township of land, to be 
selected from any of the unappropriated lands belonging to 
the State, and the land agent was authorized to lay out the 
same, subject to the usual reservation of four hundred and 
eighty acres. This resolve was in accordance with the fol- 
lowing petition of a committee of the trustees : 

To the Honorable the Seriate and Honorable House of Representa- 
tives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts i?i General Court 
assembled. A. D. 18 10. 

The petition of a committee of the Trustees of the Farmington 
Academy in behalf of the said Board of Trustees respectfully 
represent : 

That the Honorable the Legislature in the month of February 
A. D. 1807 passed an act establishing an Academy in the town of 
Farmington in the county of Kennebec by the name of the Farm- 
ington Academy, for the purpose of promoting piety and virtue 
and for the education of youth in such of the languages and in 
such of the liberal arts as the Trustees should direct. That pre- 
vious to the passing said act a number of individuals in the town 
of Farmington and its vicinity anxious to afford the means of 
promoting piety and useful learning in this part of the Common- 
wealth, made voluntary subscriptions for the purpose of erecting 
an Academy building by means of which the Trustees have been 



96 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

enabled, although with difficulty, nearly to complete a handsome 
edifice for this purpose. Funds are now wanted for the support of 
suitable instructors, and the patronage of the Legislature is solic- 
ited. Your petitioners are sensible that the donations of individ- 
uals are inadequate to carry the good intentions of the legislature 
into effect ; that the benefits anticipated in the establishment of 
the institution can never be realized without your assistance. We 
therefore beg that you would grant the said Trustees a township 
of land for the benefit of said institution ; and that a lot of land 
in the town of Farmington containing three hundred and twenty 
acres, reserved by the Legislature in their grant of said town, for 
the future appropriation of the General Court may be granted to 
the said Trustees for the same purpose ; and as in duty bound will 
ever pray. 

EZEKIEL PORTER. 

CHURCH BRAINERD. 

BENJAMIN ABBOTT. 

The resolve reads as follows : 

Resolve granting ten thousand and twenty acres of land to 
Farmington Academy. 

Resolved that there be and hereby is granted for the use and 
benefit of said Academy ten thousand and twenty acres of land 
out of any of the unappropriated lands of this Commonwealth in 
the district of Maine except the ten townships on the Penobscot 
River purchased of the Indians and excepting also the land con- 
tracted to be sold to Jackson and Flynt, and which contract is now 
rescinded. Said ten thousand and twenty acres to be laid out 
under the direction of the Commonwealth's agents upon the sub- 
ject of eastern lands. 

Provided however that the agents aforesaid shall not proceed 
to lay out and assign the same until said trustees shall lodge in 
the Secretary's office a certified list of the subscriptions and dona- 
tions made and secured to said Academy and which shall amount 
to the sum of three thousand dollars exclusive of the expenses 
necessarily incurred in erecting and furnishing the buildings neces- 
sary for the accommodation of said Academy within two years 
from the passing of this resolve, 

February 8th, 1811. 



SCHOOLS. 97 

In 1822, the trustees, through a committee, selected the 
southern half of township No. 5, in the fifth range, west of 
Bingham's Kennebec purchase, in the County of Oxford, 
containing ten thousand and twenty acres, subject to the 
reservations aforesaid, and the same was conveyed by the 
land agent to the trustees. This half township was surveyed 
in 1826, by Capt. Mann, Lemuel Perham, Allen H. Brainerd, 
and Enos S. Thompson, accompanied by a large corps of 
assistants. 

By agreement, the creditors of the institution took the 
amount of their claims in land, at thirty-five cents an acre — 
that being the surveyors' appraisal — and the residue was sold 
at auction, at from twenty-four to thirty cents an acre. The 
amount added to the endowment fund of the Academy, by 
the sale of its land grant, was about fifteen hundred dollars. 

Previous to embarking in the enterprise, subscriptions 
had been solicited ; and, considering the limited means of the 
people, liberal contributions were made to aid in the erection 
of the building and for the endowment of the institution. 
Individuals eminent as friends and patrons of education in 
this and the adjacent towns, were elected as members of the 
board of trustees. The first meeting named in the charter, 
was held April 14, 1807, and was organized by the choice of 
William Reed, of Strong, as president ; Nathan Cutler, Esq., 
secretary; and Dea. Church Brainerd, treasurer. In 1808, 
the trustees took the necessary steps toward erecting an 
edifice. During the year, the frame which constitutes the L 
to the present Normal building was raised, and within the 
next three years was so nearly completed as to be ready for 
occupancy. 

The following report of the treasurer, approximates very 
nearly to the amount originally subscribed in aid of the 
Academy, together with the names of the subscribers : 

Farmington, May y^ 12, A. I). 181 1. 

I hereby certify that there is now in my hands for the institu- 
tion known by the name of the Farmington Academy (besides 
what has been expended for said buildings) in subscriptions and 



98 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



which has been paid and not expended or is in notes of hand to 
the amount of what is set against each man's name, viz: 



OUver Bailey, % 


74.00 


Henry Cushman, % 


50.00 


Eliphalet Bailey, 


78-59 


Moses Chandler, 


77.00 


Jonathan Ballard, 


50.00 


Henry Davis, 


43.00 


William Allen, 


42.00 


H. V. Chamberlain, 


50.00 


Edward Butler, 


50.00 


Thomas Flint, 


100.00 


Ebenezer C. Butler, 


52.80 


Joseph Fairbanks, 


58-52 


Benjamin Butler, 


64.00 


Jesse Gould, 


37-84 


Solomon Butler, 


42.00 


John Flint, 


100.00 


Benjamin Butler, Jr., 


32.00 


John Holley, 


50.00 


William Brackley, 


50.00 


Benjamin Heath, 


33-00 


Enoch Craig, 


42.00 


Nathaniel Hersey, 


50.00 


John Cottle, 


42.00 


James Hersey, 


50.00 


Richard Clark, 


42.80 


John Read, 


42.00 


John Heath, 


42.00 


Timothy Smith, 


61.13 


Marchant Holley, 


50.00 


Joseph S. Smith, 


150.00 


Thomas Hiscock, 


26.43 


Ebenezer Taylor, 


100.00 


Daniel L. Kersey, 


42.00 


Thomas Wendell, 


82.00 


Timothy Johnson, 


77-37 


Hugh Stewart, 


50.00 


Thomas Johnson, 


38.16 


Joseph Starling, 


47-25 


Zachariah Norton, 


50.00 


Jeremy Wyman, 


37.00 


Dehave Norton, 


46.00 
50.00 
42.00 
50.00 


Josiah Wright, 

Amount, $3 
Interest, 


25.00 


Peter Norton, 2d, 
Jeremiah Norton, 
• Francis Norton, 


,066.48 
735-95i 


Bassett Norton, 


41.41 


%Z. 


,802.43^ 


Winthrop Norton, 


41.47 






Elijah Norton, 


42.00 






Samuel Nevins, 


24.50 






Thomas Odell, 


38.00 






Ezekiel Porter, 


91.21 






Argalis Pease, 


63.00 






Lemuel Perham, 


84.00 






Samuel Poole, 


50.00 






William Reed, 


42.00 






N. B. These sums 


have been on interest from the time 


incorporation which is four years 


last February. 




Attest: 




CHURCH BRAINERD, 



of 



Treasurer for said institution. 



SCHOOLS. 99 

We further certify that the Academy building is nearly com- 
pleted, and that taking from the above sum of $3,802.43! a sum of 
six hundred dollars which is estimated to be the extent of what 
will be necessary to complete the building and paint the same and 
pay all bills, there will remain, a fund of three thousand two hun- 
dred and two dollars and forty-three and one-half cents, as a fund 
over and above the completion of said Academy building, which 
same is in notes of hand and on subscription and is on interest, 
as appears from examination of treasurer's books. 

CHURCH BRAINERD. 
Treasurer of Farmington Academy. 
NATHAN CUTLER Secretary. 

The foregoing subscriptions include interest on the same to 
Feb. 8, 181 1, — that being the date of the resolve granting the half 
township of land. 

The Academy was opened for instruction January i, 181 2, 
and the event was celebrated as a gala day amidst various 
demonstrations of joy. Rev. James Hall became its first 
preceptor, at a salary of four hundred dollars a year. He 
was a native of Scotland, a thorough Edinburgh scholar, 
particularly well versed in mathematics, an able teacher, 
though at times somewhat fretful and severe, and appar- 
ently conscientious in the use of the ferule as a sceptre 
of righteousness. Mr. Hall was not so far advanced in 
life as to be invincible to the attractions of the gentler 
sex, and he formed the acquaintance of a young lady 
of some sixteen summers, from one of the rural districts, to 
whom he was afterwards united in marriage. The school 
remained under his care for two years. He then took 
charge of the Canaan (afterwards Bloomfield) Academy, 
continuing there twelve years. He was later employed as 
preceptor of Anson Academy, but for what length of time is 
not known. Mr. Hall was succeeded by Rev. Otis Briggs, 
formerly preceptor of Hampden Academy. At the close of 
the year he removed to Wiscasset, and his valuable services 
were lost to the institution, much to the regret of its patrons 



too HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

and friends. N. G. Howard acted as preceptor from 1816 to 
181 7; Joseph Caldwell from 181 7 to 1818; Moses S. Moody 
from 181 8 to 18 19; William A. Drew from 1820 to 1823; 
Nathaniel Greene from 1823 to 1830; David Worcester, 
Horatio Getchell, and M. Upham from 1830 to 1837; John 
J. Butler from 1837 to 1839; Orrin B. Cheney from 1839 to 
1 841; Alexander H. Abbott from 1841 to 1849; Jonas 
Burnham from August 27, 1849, to July 15, 1859. During 
Mr. Burnham's preceptorship, the number of terms was 
twenty, the total number of scholars, two thousand five 
hundred and twenty-four, with an average of one hundred 
and twenty-six to a term ; and fifty students were prepared 
for college. From 1859 ^o 1863, Horatio O. Ladd and Am- 
brose P. Kelsey were respectively principals of the Academy, 
During the existence of this institution, young ladies were 
admitted to its instruction, sometimes in a separate depart- 
ment under the tuition of a preceptress, but more frequently 
in the main department. 

An additional half township of land was granted to the 
Farmington Academy, as well as like amount to the other 
academies in the State, by a resolve of the legislature of 
1850, and this added some $2,000 to the endowment of the 
institution, which had suffered during its entire existence 
from lack of funds. At its inception, the trustees were 
unable to collect a portion of the subscriptions, and were 
unfortunate in the selection of the half township of land 
originally granted for an endowment fund ; but, notwith- 
standing many discouragements and embarrassments, this 
school was generously patronized, drawing students from 
every part of the State, and its influence has been a power 
in the community by promoting a sentiment favorable to 
higher education. During the half century that the Acad- 
emy was in operation, scores of young men went forth who 
have since become eminent in the various professions, and 
all its students received lasting benefit. By a resolve of the 
trustees, adopted on the third of June, 1863, a tender of the 
funds and all other property of the Academy, was made to 
the State for the establishment of a State Normal School at 



Schools. 



lOI 



Farmington ; and by an order of the Governor and Council 
of October 9, 1863, the tender was accepted, and the school 
located at Farmington. By a vote of the trustees of the 
Academy, passed January 26, 1867, the treasurer was au- 
thorized and empowered to convey, upon certain conditions, 
the whole property to the State of Maine; subject, however, 
to the payment of a mortgage, upon which there was under- 
stood to be due the sum of three thousand six hundred and 
thirty-two dollars and sixty cents, including interest. The 
total value of the property thus conveyed, subject to the 
mortgage aforesaid, was estimated as follows : Real estate, 
including old Academy building, chemical and philosophical 
apparatus, library, etc., five thousand dollars ; personal assets, 
converted into money and expended in the erection of the 
new building, about ^3,500, — making a total of $8,500 given 
to the State. 

The following statement shows the names of trustees, 
date of election, and when and how vacancies occurred. 
The first fifteen named, were charter members of the board. 



Church Brainerd, Fannington. 
Nathan Cutler, Farmington. 
Thomas Hiscock, Farmington. 
Ezekiel Porter, Farmington. 
Timothy Smith, Farmington. 
Ebenezer Taylor, Farmington. 
Stephen Titcomb, Farmington. 
Thomas Wendell, Farmington. 
Benjamin Abbott, Temple. 
Ebenezer Eaton, Wilton. 
Thomas Fillebrown, Hallowell. 
Thomas Flint, New Vineyard. 
John Hovey, Mt. Vernon. 
William Reed, Strong. 
Jotham Sewall, Chesterville. 
Joseph S. Smith, Farmington. 
Thomas Johnson, Jr., Farmington. 
Oliver Bailey, Farmington. 
Josiah Prescott, Farmington. 



1807 


Resigned 


1828 


1807 


Died 


1861 


1807 


Resigned 


1814 


1807 


Absent 


1814 


1807 


Died 


1818 


1807 


By vote 


1808 


1807 


Resigned 


1811 


1807 


Died 


1862 


1807 


Resigned 


1816 


1807 


Died 


1838 


1807 


Resigned 


1821 


1807 


Resigned 


1845 


1807 


Resigned 





1807 


Died 


1823 


1807 


Resigned 


1837 


1808 
I8I1 


Absent 
By vote 




1828 


I8I4 


Died 


1829 


I8IS 


Died 


1864 



14 



I02 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Sylvester Strickland, Wilton. 
William Gould, Farniington. 
Joseph Fairbanks, Farmington. 
Isaac Rogers, Farmington. 
John Corbett, Farmington. 
Isaac Tyler, Farmington. 
James Butterfield, Farmington. 
John Reed, Strong. 
Robert Goodenow, Farmington. 
Asa Abbott, Farmington. 
John Russ, Farmington. 
Charles Morse, Wilton. 
Ebenezer Childs, Farmington. 
Jacob Abbott, Farmington. 
Lafayette Perkins, Farmington. 
Holmes A. Boardman, New Sharon. 
Moses Sherburne, Phillips. 
George Gage, Wilton, 
William Cothren, Farmington. 
John L. Cutler, Farmington. 
Samuel Belcher, Farmington. 
Francis G. Butler, Farmington. 
Hannibal Belcher, Farmington. 
Alanson B. Caswell, Farmington. 
Reuben Cutler, Farmington. 
Philip M. Stubbs, Strong. 
John R. Eaton, Wilton. 
Alexander H. Abbott, Farmington. 
Frederick C. Perkins, Farmington. 
Ambrose P. Kelsey, Farmington. 



I8I7 


Resigned 




I8I8 


Died 


1831 


1821 


Died 


1831 


1827 


Resigned 


1833 


1828 


Resigned 


1845 


1828 


Died 


1869 


1828 


Resigned 


1845 


1828 


Died 


1836 


1832 


Died 


1874 


1832 


Died 


1863 


1832 


Died 


1838 


^835 


Died 


1845 


1835 


Died 


1874 




Resigned 


184s 


1845 


Died 


1874 


184s 


Died 


1846 


1845 


Resigned 


1853 


1845 


Resigned 


1862 


1845 


Died 


1879 


1845 


Resigned 


1859 


1845 






1859 






1859 






1859 


Died 


1874 


1859 


Died 


1882 


1862 


Died 


1876 


1862 






1862 






1863 






1863 


Resigned 





The State Normal School was opened for instruction 
August 24, 1864, with Ambrose P. Kelsey, A. M., a gradu- 
ate of Hamilton College, as principal, and George M. Gage, 
of Bridgewater Normal School, and Miss Annie F. Johnson, 
of the Framingham Normal School, as assistants. The 
following year Mr. Kelsey resigned his position and removed 
to Clinton, N. Y., and was succeeded by Mr. Gage. Mr. 
C. C. Rounds, formerly of the Fdward Little Institute at 
Auburn, assumed the charge of the school in the fall of 



SCHOOLS. 103 

1868, and continued to hold the position of principal until 
1883, when he resigned. Mr. Geo. C. Purington, a graduate 
of Bowdoin College, and formerly principal of the Auburn 
High School, was chosen to succeed him, and still occupies 
the chair. The number of assistants has been increased 
from time to time, and the faculty now numbers five. The 
first class was graduated in 1866. The total number of 
graduates, July, 1884, was 487, of whom the greater part 
have been employed in teaching in the public schools of 
Maine. 

ABBOTT FAMILY SCHOOL. 

Farmington is perhaps best known outside the State, as 
the seat of the Abbott School for boys.. This school was 
one of the earliest of the class of institutions known as 
family schools, and has for more than forty years enjoyed an 
enviable reputation. Little Blue, as the estate connected 
with the school is called, is situated on the southern con- 
fines of the village, and is one of the most picturesque spots 
in this part of the State. It was selected by Mr. Jacob 
Abbott, as a family seat, and from him received the name of 
"Little Blue" from a fancied resemblance of one of its min- 
ature mountains to Mt. Blue. He occupied it for three years, 
and began the work of developing its natural beauties, but 
upon the death of his wife, and his removal to New York, 
the estate passed to his brother, Rev. Samuel P. Abbott, who 
opened it as a family school for boys in 1844. Mr. Abbott 
and his wife both dying in the summer of 1849, the place 
was purchased by the present proprietor, Mr. A. H. Abbott, 
who continued the plans of the founder of the school. The 
place, some twenty acres in extent, possessed singular 
natural beauty, exhibiting on a reduced scale almost every 
variety of picturesque scenery, and Mr. Abbott has spared 
neither time nor expense in developing its charms. Upon 
Beaver Dam Brook, which winds through the grounds, are 
two artificial ponds, while the brook is crossed and recrossed 
by bridges of rustic or finished design. The little moun- 
tain may be ascended by winding paths or by direct flights 



I04 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON: 

of steps, and it, as well as the terraces about the buildings, 
is adorned with choice shrubs and exotics. The house, 
which at the opening of the school was a cottage, has been 
enlarged from time to time until it will now accommodate 
sixty pupils. In 1858, a school-room was erected, about eight 
rods from the house, and supplied with every apparatus 
necessary for the highest grade of schools. Its philosophi- 
cal, chemical, and astronomical apparatus was purchased at a 
cost of $6,000, and was regarded at the time it was bought as 
one of the best in the State. It also has a fine cabinet of 
minerals, and a library of two thousand volumes. 

Under Mr. A. H. Abbott's management, the school in- 
creased in favor, and received pupils from all parts of the 
United States, as well as from some foreign countries. In 
1865, Mr. Abbott leased the school to Mr. E. P. Weston, a 
graduate of Bowdoin College, who had for many years been 
preceptor of a young ladies' seminary at Gorham, and was 
also superintendent of schools for the State of Maine. Mr. 
Weston was succeeded by Mr. A. J. Blethen in 1869, who 
continued the school with marked success until 1874, when 
Mr. A. P. Kelsey assumed the control. Mr. Abbott resumed 
the charge of the school in 1876, and still holds the position 
of principal. 

MAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. 

A private school for girls was opened in March, 1868, in 
the Grammar school-building, by Miss Julia H. May and Miss 
Sara R. May, accomplished graduates of Mt. Holyoke Semi- 
nary, who had previously taught in Kentucky. This school, 
providing instruction in Latin, French, and higher mathe- 
matics, seemed to meet a want in the community, and was at 
once liberally patronized. Mr. F. V. Stewart provided a 
room for the accommodation of the school, which was soon 
outgrown. A few boys were admitted to instruction, and it 
becoming necessary to secure a suitable building to meet 
the wants of the school, Mr. T. F. Belcher and Mr. F. G. 
Butler erected a convenient school-building on School St., 
which was occupied for the first time in the spring of 1870. 



SCHOOLS. 105 

Two courses of study, a seminary and a college preparatory 
course, were arranged, and the following year the institution 
was chartered under the name of the Wendell Institute. 
The first class received diplomas in 1872, and with the 
exception of 1873, a class was graduated each year until the 
school was removed to Strong in 1881. The graduates num- 
ber in all twenty-four, and of them, four entered Vassar 
College, three Wellesley College, one Bowdoin College, and 
one Bates College. Twenty-one others entered various col- 
leges from this school, who studied for a longer or shorter 
time at other institutions. 

During the last six years of the existence of the school, 
the teachers received pupils from abroad into their family, 
occupying for that purpose the Goodenow mansion, now 
owned by D. W. Austin. After the opening of the district 
high school, the patronage of this school became necessarily 
limited, and the institution, much to the regret of its patrons, 
was removed to Strong, where it is continued with marked 
success. 

THE WILLOWS. 

In the spring of 1870, Miss Lucy G. Belcher opened a 
boarding-school for girls at the homestead of her father. Gen. 
Hannibal Belcher. The first term began with twelve 
boarding and day pupils, and arrangements were at once 
made to erect a building for the accommodation of the 
school. During the following year, an elegant and commo- 
dious house was built, which was dedicated Dec. 26, 1871, 
The institution took the name of "The Willows," from the 
row of venerable willow trees which fronted the grounds. 
It continued in operation until 1875, when a class of eight 
young ladies was graduated. The building has since re- 
mained unoccupied. 

So long as the Academy was in existence, little need of a 
public high or classical school was felt. Its abandonment, 
however, left the citizens without the means of fitting their 
youth for college. Various attempts were made to establish 



Io6 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

a high school at the Center Village, during the twelve years 
succeeding 1864, and various teachers were employed from 
time to time to give classical instruction ; but the private 
school of the Misses May supplying the lack, no regular 
system of graded schools, with a college preparatory course, 
was introduced. The village schools had been classified in 
1864 as primary, intermediate, and grammar, and two 
buildings were occupied for their accommodation. But in 
1877, after a somewhat stormy debate, it was voted by the 
district to build one school-building, after the approved 
modern plans, and add a high school to the grades already in 
existence. The school-house on High Street, used for the 
grammar and primary departments, was sold to Mr. F. C. 
Perkins, who converted it into a dwelling-house, and the in- 
termediate school-house on Anson Street was sold to Mr. 
Joseph Bangs, who also remodeled it for a dwelling. A lot 
was purchased on Middle St., and a commodious building 
erected at a cost, including land and furniture, of about 
^12,000. Mr. J. A. Greene was appointed principal, with 
four assistants. His successors have been Philip L. Paine, 
Donald L. Morrill, Frank F. Whittier, John C. Ryder, 
George M. Strout, and William Harper, the present principal. 
During the seven years of its existence the Farmington 
High School has sent four young men to college. 

By the terms of the grant of the Sandy River Township, 
four lots of land, of three hundred and twenty acres each, 
were reserved for public uses. Among these was one lot for 
the use of the public free schools in the town. By an act of 
the General Court of Massachusetts, approved February 5th, 
181 1, authority was granted the town, through a board of 
trustees, to sell and convey the school lands thus reserved, 
upon the condition that the proceeds arising from the sales 
should be annually appropriated for the support of public 
free schools in town, and such funds should never be alien- 
ated or diverted by the town or its trustees from the pur- 
poses contemplated by the original grant. The school lands 
in town were sold at different periods, and the net total pro- 
ceeds of their sale was ^1,449.25, which amount was placed 



SCHOOLS. 107 

in the hands of the treasurer of the school fund, and the inter- 
est — generally $86.95 — has been paid annually to the 
treasurer of the town, and appropriated for the support of 
public free schools. The trustees of the fund are entitled 
to great commendation for their good judgment in the 
selection of their treasurers, who have kept the funds 
unimpaired, during the financial reverses of more than half 
a century, while those of many towns in the State, arising 
from a like source, have been lost. 



CHAPTER VI. 

MILITARY HISTORY, AND THE WAR OF 1812. 

Need of Military Organization. — Formation of Infantry Companies. — Ap- 
propriations for Military Equipments. — First Muster. — Petition for a 
Cavalry Company. — Resolutions upon the Embargo. — Organization of 
Artillery Company. — Rumors of War. — Hardy's Attack on Eastport. — 
Militia Ordered Out. — List of Farmington Men in Service. — Hartford 
Convention. — Its Effect in Farmington. — Peace and its Results. — Later 
Military History. 

Hardly was the organization of the town effected, 
before measures were taken to form a company of mihtia. 
As we have seen, the early settlers were men who had done 
service in the field, and were perfectly competent to under- 
take the organization and training of troops. Under the 
State law of that time, each town was obliged to provide its 
own military stores, and equip its own soldiers. Powder was 
very dear, costing a dollar a pound in Boston, and the taxes 
laid upon a town to maintain a military organization, formed 
no small part of the burden of taxation. Yet the training 
of troops, and the general muster, were almost the only 
diversions known. In a strictly agricultural community, 
without a church or a library, or even a weekly paper, with 
almost no communication with the outside world, the means 
for recreation were necessarily limited. It can hardly be a 
matter for surprise, that the inhabitants were eager for a 
company of militia, which, with its music and trainings, its 
treats and parades, would give them in amusement far more 



MILITARY HISTORY. I09 

than was expended in money for its maintenance. Nor was 
diversion the only end to be gained. The federal govern- 
ment was as yet hardly established. No one knew what 
disturbances might break out. The memory of Shay's 
Rebellion was still potent, and fears of Indian incursions 
had by no means subsided. 

At the time of the incorporation of the town, the 
western part of Maine was included in the Eighth Division 
of Massachusetts Militia. The first company in Farmington, 
was organized Dec. 9, 1795, and was attached to the Third 
Regiment, Second Brigade, and Eighth Division. On that 
day the following officers were elected : Ezekiel Porter, 
captain, who was promoted to major, Jan. 20, 1796, and to 
lieutenant-colonel, June 19, 1798; Samuel Smith, lieutenant; 
William Allen, ensign. The second company was organized 
May I, 1798, with the following list of commissioned officers: 
Hartson Cony, captain, who was promoted to adjutant, 
January 20, 1796; Jason D. Cony, lieutenant; John Brown, 
ensign. At this time considerable pride was taken in 
maintaining well disciplined and equipped troops. The 
town voted one hundred and thirty pounds for powder and 
military stores, at the spring town-meeting in 1797, and in 
October, appropriated a hundred dollars more for arms and 
equipments. If the new company was formed with hope of 
sharing in these arms and equipments, it was destined to 
disappointment, for the following year the vote was re- 
scinded, and the hundred dollars appropriated to defraying 
town charges. 

The first general muster in Farmington, was held in the fall 
of 1799, on Mr. Merry's interval,- on the west side of the 
river, just below the present site of the Center Bridge. 
From the little that is known of this first muster, it does 
not seem to have been a very successful occasion. The 
troops, gathered from Farmington and the neighboring towns, 
were raw, undisciplined, poorly equipped, and possessed of 
very little idea of the duties of soldiers. No sooner were 
the companies posted in line, than one of the P^armington 
companies took offense at the position assigned to it, and at 

IS 



I lO HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

a given signal mutinied, and left the field. One man alone 
stood firm at his post. Abiathar Green, who had served in 
the Revolutionary army, understood the respect which a 
soldier owes to his superiors, too well to indulge in such 
insubordination. It was proposed by some to bring the 
deserters back to their duty by force of arms, but the gen- 
eral and field-officers, after some parley, prevailed upon the 
company to return. Matters being finally arranged, and the 
manoeuvres about to begin, the colonel of the regiment gave 
the command to form column on the right. Captain Davis, 
of the New Vineyard company, being somewhat deaf, in- 
quired of his orderly-sergeant, Jonathan Look, what the 
order was : " New Vineyard company, right about face, 
dismissed," replied the waggish orderly. "Attention! New 
Vineyard company, right about face, dismissed," repeated the 
captain, in stentorian tones. With a whoop and a yell, 
and with full appreciation of the joke, off went the men. 
So much time was consumed in restoring order among these 
chaotic elements, that the day was well advanced, and the 
troops tired and disorderly, before the line could be formed 
for inspection, and treat served. 

The third company of militia was organized May i, 1804, 
when the officers elected were : Joseph Fairbanks, captain, 
afterwards colonel ; Josiah Perham, lieutenant ; Silas Per- 
ham, ensign, afterwards captain. The three companies, thus 
organized, were companies of infantry, and were known as 
the North Company, South Company, and West Company. 

The North Company embraced the territory of the town 
on the east side of the river and north of the center of 
Perham road ; the South Company embraced the territory 
south of the center of Perham road on the east side of the 
river and south of lot No. 11 on the west side ; the West 
Company included the territory west of the river north of 
the south line of lot No. 11. 

In 1807, a movement was set on foot to secure the or- 
ganization of a company of cavalry in P'armington and vicin- 
ity. A petition was circulated and generally signed, and 
forwarded to the General Court, which read as follows : 



MIUTARY HISTORY. I I I 

To the Hotiorable the Senate and the Honorable the House of 
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Gcn- 
eml Court to be convened at Boston on the third Monday of 
January A. D. 1808 : 

The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the towns of 
Farmington, Industry, New Vineyard, Strong, Temple, Wilton and 
New Sharon, all in the county of Kennebec and within the terri- 
torial limits of the Second Brigade and Eighth Division of the 
Militia of said Commonwealth, humbly shows, that in the opinion 
of your petitioners and they sincerely believe that a corps of 
cavalry raised and organized within the towns aforesaid, to be 
attached to the Brigade aforesaid, the center whereof to be fixed 
in said town of Farmington would, if granted by your honors, 
greatly subserve the purposes of military instruction and improve- 
ment, that the persons by law liable to do military duty in the 
aforesaid towns are so remotely situated from where any volunteer 
corps is established as to preclude them from any opportunity of 
improvement in the discipline of any such corps, that although 
three companies of cavalry are already raised and attached to the 
Brigade aforesaid, yet the unusual extent of territory and of num- 
bers comprehended by said Brigade will afford ample reasons for 
raising and organizing the additional corps herein prayed for; that 
the several standing companies of Militia within the towns afore- 
said considerably exceed in number respectively the number of 
sixty-four effective privates, and some of said companies are too 
numerous to render military discipline and instruction practical or 
considerable among themselves, to which last mentioned descrip- 
tion of companies the greater part of your petitioners belong, 
which will more fully appear by copies of their several muster rolls 
herewith exhibited. And your petitioners desirous as well to pro- 
mote what we conceive to be so salutary an object as from a de- 
. cided preference for discharging our military duties in that mode 
hereby pledge ourselves that in the event of our establishment as a 
corps of cavalry as aforesaid or in the manner that in your Honors' 
wisdom may be deemed expedient to immediately and without 
delay provide, prepare and equip ourselves to do and that we will 
each and all of us enlist into and do military service as by law is 
required of members of a cavalry corps. 

Your petitioners therefore pray your Honors to take the subject 
into your wise consideration and that the prayer herein may be 
granted, and as in duty bound will ever pray. (Signed) : 



112 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

ClifEord Belcher. Zachariah Soule. 

John Church, Jr. Rufus Allen. 

Thomas Parker. John Minot. 

Robert Barker. Robert Morrison. 

Benj. M. Belcher. Moses Butterfield. 

James Allen. Uzziel Weeks. 

Isaac Eaton. Joseph S. Smith. 

Job Brooks. Joseph Russell. 

Henry Stewart. William Russell. 

Argalis Pease. Nathaniel Russell. 

Stephen Titcomb, Jr. Joseph Titcomb. 

Thomas Wendell. Henry Davis. 

Nathan Backus. Cotton Pratt. 

Joseph Starling. Jacob P2aton. 

Upon this petition the General Court gave the petitioners 
leave to withdraw. But nothing daunted, the next year a 
petition even more minute in setting out the advantages to 
be gained from a cavalry company, signed with more names, 
and endorsed at headquarters, was forwarded to Boston : 

To the Honorable the Senate and the Honorable the House of 
Representatives of the Com7nonwealth of Massachusetts at their 
session to be holden at Boston A. D. 1809 : 

The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of 
Farmington and adjacent towns in the county of Kennebec being 
persons enrolled in the Militia of said Commonwealth and liable 
to do military duty and a part of the Third Regiment, Second 
Brigade and Eighth Division of said Militia, humbly sheweth: 

That anxious as we are for military improvement and zealous to 
discharge the most for public utility and advantage the duties re- 
garding us as citizen soldiers, we are induced for divers reasons 
which we deem sufficient to offer ourselves and to pray your Hon- 
ors that we may be incorporated into a company of cavalry to be 
attached to said Brigade with the rights, privileges and duties by 
law respecting other volunteer corps. Among which said reasons 
for thus petitioning we humbly beg leave to submit the following 
viz : 

I St That although true it is that there are two companies of 
cavalry attached to said Brigade yet the nearest of those two to 



MILITARY HISTORY. II3 

your petitioners' places of residence is more than thirty miles 
distance. 

2d That the standing companies of the militia to which your 
petitioners respectively belong average in number each about one 
hundred effective privates. 

3d That excepting to one other regiment belonging to said 
Brigade ( and which contains perhaps not more than half the num- 
ber of soldiers with the 3d Regiment ) all others have attached to 
them some uniform company either of infanty, cavalry or artillery 
which parade with the standing militia on days of Regimental Re- 
view whereas none of those are attached to or parade with the 
Third Regiment aforesaid. This last circumstance has we ask 
leave to say occasioned the regret of almost all grades of the 
officers whose duty connects them with the said Third Regiment. 
Considering furthermore that we your petitioners, removed as we 
are from a possibility of enlisting into any volunteer company 
which is now organized, and that our rights on condition of making 
similar sacrifices of expense are equal in this respect with others ; 
that the Brigade to which we belong is extraordinarily numerous 
and dispersed over an uncommonly extensive territory, we ask that 
your Honors would take this petition into your wise consideration 
and would condescend to grant your petitioners' prayer, and as in 
duty bound will ever pray &c. (Signed) 

John P. Shaw. Ebenezer Shaw. 

Abraham Johnson. Joseph S. Smith. 

Zachariah Soule. Joseph Starling. 

Jeremiah Stinchfield. John Minot. 

Henry Stewart. Hiram Belcher. 

Joseph Johnson. John Church, Jr. 

William Johnson. Alexander Forsyth. 

Samuel Carr, Jr. Hugh Stewart, Jr. 

Benj. M. Belcher. John Holley, Jr. 

Isaac Eaton. William Holley. 

Jacob Eaton. Ephraim Norton. 

Joseph Titcomb. Edward Butler. 

Clifford Belcher. Winthrop Butler. 

Stephen Titcomb. Marchant Holley. 

Henry Titcomb. Edward Bartlett. 
Robert Barker. 

The petition bears the follov^ing endorsements : 



114 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON: 

This may certify that granting the prayer of the petitioners for 
a company of cavalry to be raised from the Third Regiment, Sec- 
ond Brigade and Eighth Division of Militia of this Commonwealth 
will not reduce the standing companies below the number required 
by law and we believe the establishing the said company will be of 
general utility. 

Said petition is now on the files of the Honorable Council 
signed by John P. Shaw and others. 

O. BAILEY, Lt.-Col. Commanding. 
JOSEPH FAIRBANKS, Major. 
Wm. GOULD, Major. 
Farmington, May i6, 1809. 

May 19, 1809. 
I hereby approve the plan of raising a company of cavalry 
within the limits of the Third Regiment as proposed. 

JOHN CHANDLER, 

Brig.-Gen. ist Brig. 8th Div. 

I also approve the thing. 

H. SEWALL, Major-General. 

The cavalry company was organized May 12, 18 10, with 
the following ofificers : Jeremiah Stinchfield, captain ; Henry 
Stewart, first lieutenant ; Edward Butler, second lieutenant ; 
and Benjamin M. Belcher, cornet. 

Rumors of war were now in the air. New England had 
begun to feel the pressure of the embargo in the paralysis of 
her peculiar industries. The dissatisfaction felt at the posi- 
tion of the general government was wide-spread. Massachu- 
setts was upon the point of revolt. While Maine was not in 
full sympathy with this antagonism of the mother State, yet 
even the remotest hamlet could but feel the inconven- 
iences and distress induced by the condition of national 
affairs. 

While the embargo was in force, it was necessary that all 
goods be transported over land from Boston. Freights were 
consequently very high, and this fact, added to the high price 
of all foreign and domestic goods, compelled the people to rely 
almost wholly upon their own products and home manufact- 



MILITARY HISTORY. II5 

iires. The distress experienced was so severe, and the feel- 
ing roused by the injury to New England commerce was so 
intense, that the town-meeting assembled in January, 1809, 
voted to raise a committee to draft resolutions to express the 
sense of the meeting upon the conditon of the country. 
Zachariah Soule, William Gower, and Moses Starling, were 
appointed on this committee, and after suitable deliberation^ 
presented the following report, which was accepted : 

First. The fundamental principles of the social compact are 
the guarantee and security of the right, liberties, privileges, persons, 
property of all those who are included in that compact : A part of 
these rights and privileges as well as liberties are by the people at 
large voluntarily surrendered to their own government, but upon 
express conditions to wit, that the vendue thereof should ever be 
held and preserved sacred and indefeasible by that government. 

Second. Resolved that the people ot the United States did at 
the formation of their constitution enter into a solemn league and 
covenant each individual with the whole and the whole Nation with 
each individual that security and protection to their lives, liberties, 
privileges and property should be sacred, uniform and universal and 
also reciprocal between themselves and their government, and that 
whenever, either in exercise or effect, the powers of legislation 
abandon this reciprocity the legitimate source of obedience and 
submission on the part of the people to the laws and ordinances of 
the government, is destroyed. 

Third. Resolved as the sense of the people of this town that 
the feelings, the habits, the necessities and the hopes of the great 
mass of the people of New England are indispensably founded on the 
navigation of the ocean ; that they ought to retain that right and 
privilege as sacred and inalienable ; that the very finger of nature 
has pointed them to the prospects, the employments and the 
benefits derivable from it, and that they ever ought to be in the 
exercise of this important privilege unembarrassed by too much 
regulation, and, last of all, to submit to its annihilation. 

Fourth. Resolved that the mutual concessions and compro- 
mises agreed upon by the sages who adopted, and ultimately by the 
people who ratified and confirmed, the constitution of the United 
States contained on the part of the Southern States an express 
guarantee to the people of New England of their rights and 
privileges. 



Il6 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Fifth. That the imposition of an embargo on the ships and 
vessels of the United States perpetual in its terms and unparalleled 
in the history of commercial nations derives a full and distinct and 
unequivocal character from the privations and sufferings, the dis- 
tress and prospective ruin of the great mass of the people of New 
England ; that these sufferings and these distresses but illy com- 
pare with that promised distribution of blessings and prospeiity 
with which the people have been so particularly flattered and which 
they have so ardently desired to realize, and which is the duty 
binding and sacred on every government to promote. 

Sixth. Resolved that the unlimited continuation of the vari- 
ous embargo laws after the solemn pledges which we have had that 
ere this they would be repealed ; that the annexation thereto of a 
non-intercourse system which is equally perpetual in its expressions; 
that the recent requisitions of military detachments and the resolu- 
tions adopted on the floor of Congress for raising and putting under 
immediate pay of a force of fifty thousand men in a time of peace, 
more especially when we have ever been assured that the embargo 
was a substitute and a preventive of war, call loudly for the atten- 
tion and energy of the people to rally round the standard of their 
sacred constitutional rights and privileges. 

Resolved, therefore, that a committee be chosen to draft and 
forward a respectful petition to the legislature of Massachusetts, 
stating our present privations and distresses, and our apprehensions 
of the ruinous and alarming consequences and tendency of these 
measures, and praying them to adopt such means for our present 
relief and future protection, proper for a free sovereign and inde- 
pendent state. 

The committee appointed to draw up and present to the town 
resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the town respectfully 
beg leave to report the foregoing which are submitted, January 21, 
1809. 

MOSES STARLING. 
WILLIAM GOWER. 
ZACHARIAH SOULE. 

Measures were taken a few years later to complete the 
military organization of the town by forming a company of 
artillery, and on May 25, 1812, a few days before President 
Madison declared war, such a company was organized, with 



MILITARY HISTORY. WJ 

the following" officers duly commissioned : Abraham John- 
son, captain ; Dehave Norton, first lieutenant ; Henry But- 
terfield, second lieutenant. 

During the early years of the war. New England suffered 
but little from actual warfare. It felt keenly the hardships 
of the struggle, however, in the destruction of its commerce, 
the paralysis of its business, in the drain upon its resources, 
both for men and money, and the constant menaces of the 
enemy. From the spring of 1813 until the close of the 
contest, British squadrons were hovering along our coasts, 
and threatening the destruction of the seaboard towns. The 
year 1813, was an especially trying one, for New England. 
England had determinded to make the campaign of that 
year, a sharp, vigorous, and decisive one. In July, Sir 
Thomas Hardy anchored with a formidable squadron, off 
Fort Sullivan at Eastport. The fort was insufficiently 
equipped, with but fifty men and sixty pieces of artillery, 
under the command of Perly Putnam, of the Fortieth U. S. 
Infantry. The Commodore demanded instant surrender, to 
which demand Putnam acceded against his own judgment, 
but out of respect to the importunities of the terrified in- 
habitants. The post was surrendered under the condition 
that private property should be respected, and formal pos- 
session was taken of the fort, town, and country about 
Passamaquoddy Bay, by the landing of a large force of men 
and arms. Hardy then sailed westward with his squadron, 
spreading the direst dismay all along our coast, and on the 
morning of September ist, arrived in the harbor of Penob- 
scot Bay, and cast anchor off Castine. Lieut. Lewis, of the 
U. S. Army, with forty men, was occupying a half made 
redoubt, fortified with four twenty-four pounders, and two 
field pieces. Resistance was seen to be vain, and upon 
receiving the summons to surrender, Lewis gave, a volley 
from his twenty-four pounders, spiked them, blew up the 
redoubt, and with his two field pieces, fled from the fort 
across the peninsula to the mainland, leaving Hardy to take 
undisputed possession of the town. Two companies of rifle- 
men were landed, together with a detachment of Royal 

16 



Il8 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Artillery, thus securing to the British the control of Penob- 
scot Bay. 

Caleb Strong was at that time governor of Massachu- 
setts, and his intense hostility to the measures of the 
National Government led him to neglect the proper defense 
of the frontier. In spite of protest, it was not until the 
British were in possession of all the territory east of the 
Penobscot that he was induced to take any energetic meas- 
ures against the invaders. A public meeting was called in 
Boston, and a committee waited upon the governor, present- 
ing to him the helpless and defenseless condition of the 
District of Maine. The governor listened to the appeal, and 
on September 6 th issued his orders for nearly the whole of 
the State militia to be in readiness to march at a moment's 
notice for the defense of the sea-coast. This part of the 
State belonged at that time to the Eighth Division of Massa- 
chusetts Militia, under the command of Major-General Henry 
Sewall, of Augusta. Five regiments from- the lower Ken- 
nebec were at once ordered to Wiscasset, and the remainder 
of the regiments of this division received orders to rendez- 
vous at the various towns between Farmington and Pittston, 
and there wait instructions. 

The following were the division and brigade staff officers 
of the P^ighth Division, in service from September 12th to 
September 28th, 18 14: 

FIRST BRIGADE, 

Henry Sewall, Major- General^ Augusta. 

Ebenezer Dutch, Major, Augusta. 

Wm. K. Page, Major, Hallowell. 

Wm. Emmons, Judge-Advocate, Augusta. 

Wm. Gould, Brigadier-General, Farmington. 

Samuel Howard, Brigade-Major, Augusta. 

Jesse Robinson, Brigade- Major, Hallovvell. 

SECOND BRIGADE. 

William Kendall, Brigadier-General, .... Fairfield. 



MILITARY HISTORY. IIQ 

Richard Sawtelle, Brigade-Major, . . . Nonidgewock. 
Timothy Boutelle, Brigade- Quartermaster, . . Waterville. 
David Kidder, Aid-de-Camp. 

BATTALION OF ARTILLERY. 

Joseph Chandler, Major, Monmouth. 

John S. Kimball, Quartermaster, Augusta. 

Jonathan G. Huntoon, Adjutant, Readfield. 

Two of Farmington's companies of militia, and its com- 
pany of artillery, were summoned to hold themselves in 
readiness to march to the sea-coast. Only one company of 
cavalry belonging to the Eighth Division was called into 
active service, and that was Capt. Thomas Eastman's com- 
pany, of Hallowell, which acted as an express, to carry orders 
between Bath, Wiscasset, Camden, and Belfast. 

The list of officers and privates belonging to Farming- 
ton companies, and the officers of the regiment, arc here 
given : 

Muster Boll of the Field and Staff of Lieut. -Col. Joseph Fair- 
banks' regiment, called out for sea-coast defense, and waiting 
orders at Farmington from Sept. 14. to Sept. 18, 18 14. 

Joseph Fairbanks, Lieutenant-Colonel, . . . Farmington. 

Eaton Fairbanks, Servant Farmington. 

Thomas Johnson, Jr., Major, Farmington. 

Nathaniel Blake, Servant, Farmington. 

Jabez Gay, Quartertnaster, Farmington. 

Nathan Armesby, Paymaster, Strong. 

Thomas Parker, Farmington. 

Josiah Prescott, Surgeon, Farmington. 

John L. Blake, Servant, Farmington. 

Thonias Flint, Surgeon s Mate, .... New Vineyard. 

Jotham Sewall, Chaplain, Chesterville. 

William Talcott, Sergeant-Major, .... Farmington. 
Henry Cushman, Quartermaster-Sergeant, . Farmington. 

Solomon Luce, Fife-Major, New Vineyard. 

Joseph Russell, Drum-Major, Farmington. 



I20 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Muster Roll of Capt. Robert M. Morrison's company of militia, of 
Farmington, of Lieut. Col. Joseph Fairbanks'' regiment, called 
out for the defense of the sea-coast, and waiting orders at Farm- 
ington from Sept. 14 to Sept. 18, 1814, when a draft was 
made for a forty days^ service, and those not drafted were 
discharged. 

Robert M. Morrison, Captain. 
Samuel L. Jones, Lieutenant. 
James Hersey, Ensign. 

SERGEANTS, 

James Norton. Hebron Mayhew, Jr. 

Jedediah K. Cowan. 

CORPORALS. 

John Craig. Charles H. Tobey. 

William Cothren. 

MUSICIANS. 

Charles Stanley. James Huston. 

Ephraim Cowan. 

PRIVATES. 

John Allen. Samuel Church. 

Edmund Atkins. Holmes S. Daggett. 

Ezra A. Butler. Daniel Davis. 

William Battle. Benjamin Foss. 

Samuel Cowen. Urial Hillman. 

Enoch Craig, Jr. Reuben Hatch. 

John Clayton, Jr. Thomas Green. 

Daniel C. Church. William Kennedy. 

James Cowen. Andrew Kennedy. 

David Cowen, Jonathan Kempton. 

John Kempton. William Lewis. 

Elisha Luce. Nathan Mayhew. 

Jesse McLain. James I. Marchant. 

Bassett Norton. Peter Norton. 

Isaac Perkins. Daniel Russ. 

Jotham Smith. Charles Stewart. 

Wm. M. Stewart. Daniel Stewart. 

Joseph Tuck. Uzziel Weeks. 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



121 



Muster Roll of Capt. Daniel Beale's company of militia^ of Farm- 
ington, called out for the defense of the sea-coast, and waiting 
orders at Hallowtdl from Sept. 12 to Sept. 26, 1814, and at- 
tached to Lieut.-Col. David AIcGaffey's regiment. 

Daniel Beale, Captain. 
Silas Perhain, Lieutenant. 
Lemuel Bursley, Ensign. 



SERGEANTS. 



John Bailey. 
Ebenezer Hutchinson. 



Joseph Jennings. 
John Morrison. 



CORPORAL. 

John Scales. 

MUSICIANS. 

James Cummings. John Branscomb. 



PRIVATES, 



Winthrop Allen. 
Thomas Arnold. 
Jacob W. Butterfield. 
William Brainerd. 
Joseph Butler. 
William Bailey. 
John Brown. 
Jeffrey B. Brown. 
Rufus Berry. 
John Case. 
Lot Cottle. 
David Dwinell. 
Nehemiah French. 
William Hamilton. 
Asa Hamilton. 
Solomon Hamilton. 
Ebenezer Goddard. 
Joseph Knowlton. 
Samuel Knowlton. 
Oliver Lowell. 
George W. Norton. 



Mayhew Norton. 
Joseph Norton, Jr. 
Samuel B. Norton. 
Warren Pease. 
Jeremiah Parsons. 
Tristram Presson. 
James Parker. 
Samuel Roby. 
Henry Russ. 
Samuel Rice. 
Oliver Rice. 
John Stinchfield. 
Thomas Stinchfield. 
Joshua Lowell. 
Ebenezer Shaw. 
John Stowers. 
John Thompson. 
Joshua Witham. 
Asa Willard. 
Bartol Walker. 
John Young. 



122 HISTORY OF FARMTNGTON. ' 

Muster Roll of Capt. Abraham Johnson'' s company of artillery, of 
Fannington, called out for defense of the sea-coast, Sept. 14, 
1814, and rendezvoused at Fai'mmgton, waiting orders, until 
Sept. 18, when a draft was made from the co?npany for further 
service and those not drafted were discharged. 

Abraham Johnson, Captain. 
Henry Butterfield, Lieutenant. 

SERGEANTS. 

Ebenezer C. Butler. William Talcott. 

Benjamin Butler, Jr. 

CORPORALS. 

Nehemiah Chandler. Jonathan Look. 

Isaac Porter. Silas M. Killman. 

MUSICIANS. 

Rufus Dresser. Joseph Blake. 

PRIVATES. 

Christopher Atkinson. James Gordon. 

Solomon Adams, Jr. Guy Green. 

Joseph Butterfield. Jonathan Gordon. 

Josiah Butterfield. Nathaniel W. Gould. 

Flavel Bartlett. Thomas Hillman. 

Wm. Butler. Bartlett Luce. 

Moses S. Butler. Leonard Merry. 

Edward Bartlett. James B. Merrill. 

Levi Chandler. George Morton. 

Moses Chandler. Ephraim Norton. 

Daniel J. Cony. Zebulon Norton. 

John Doyen. Nathan Pinkham. 

John Dodge. Samuel Smith. 

Benjamin Eaton. Nicholas Winslow. 

Jonas French. Benj. Wethern, Jr. 
Asa Fletcher, 

On Sept. 18, the alarm having somewhat subsided, a 
draft *was ordered from various regiments for what was 
called the forty-day service, and the remainder of the troops 
were discharged. From Lieutenant-Colonel Fairbanks' reg- 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



123 



iment, rendezvoused at Farmington, one company was drafted, 
and placed under the command of Capt. Nathaniel Russel-1. 
The men were ordered to report at Bath, and were stationed 
there, and in the vicinity, from Sept. 28 to Nov. 11, attached 
to Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis Sweet's regiment of militia. 



Muster Roll of Capt Russelfs compa?iy of rncn drafted from 
Lieutenant-Colonel Fairbanks' regiment, for the defense of the 
sea-eoast. 

Nathaniel Russell, Captain. 

John P\ Woods, Lieutenant. 

James Hersey, Ensign. 



SERGEANTS. 



James Stevens. 
Jedediah K. Cowan. 



William Cothren. 
John Howe. 

Isaac Chase. 



Allen Averill. 
William Blunt. 
Frederick iiallard. 
William Baker. 
William Battle. 
Ezra A. Butler. 
Enoch Craig, Jr. 
Samuel Cowan. 
John Clayton, Jr. 
William Daggett. 
Elijah Durphy. 
Andrew Kennedy. 
Ozam Knowles. 
Levi Y. Lambert. 
Fayette Mace. 
Winthrop Norton. 



James Norton. 
Edward Oakes. 

CORPORALS. 

John Paine. 
David Reed. 

MUSICIANS. 

Enos Hiscock. 



PRIVATES. 



Daniel Davis. 
Joseph Ellsworth, Jr. 
Stephen Foot. 
Reuben Hatch. 
Thomas Hiscock. 
Richard Hackett, 
Samuel Huston. 
Abisha Huston. 
Daniel Hiscock. 
Enoch Hinkley. 
John Hodgdon. 
William Kennedy. 
Nathaniel P. Locklin. 
Andrew B. Mayhew. 
Bassett Norton. 
Peter Norton. 



124 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Joseph Ordway. Jeremiah Porter. 

George P. Pool. Abraham Pettengill. 

William Peterson. James Richards. 

William Russell. Edward Richards. 

Thomas Russell. William M. Stewart. 

Daniel Stewart. Jotham Smith. 

George Smith. Stephen G. Sprague. 

Zebediah Sweet. William Staple. 

Daniel Staple. Nathaniel Sawyer. 

David P. Smith. Daniel Thompson. 

Enos Tuck. John Woodbury. 

Jacob Welsh. Josiah Wright. 

Daniel Worthley. Joseph Riant, Jr. 

Nineteen of this company were Farmington men, the 
remainder belonged in the adjoining towns. 

On Sept. 26, a draft was ordered from Col. McGaffey's 
regiment, stationed at Hallowell, and ordered to Bath, where 
they remained until Nov. 8. From Capt. Beale's company, 
the following men were drafted, and attached to Lieutenant- 
Colonel Ellis Sweet's regiment : 

Daniel Beale, Captain. 

Ebenezer Hutchinson, Orderly-Sergeant. 

PRIVATES. 

Winthrop Allen. Thomas Arnold. 

Lot Cottle. Nehemiah French. 

William Hamilton. Joseph Knowlton. 

Oliver Lowell. Tristram Preston. 

James Parker. Henry Russ. 

John Stowers. Joshua Witham. 
John Young. 

A draft was likewise made from Capt. Johnson's artillery 
company, and the men thus drafted repaired to Wiscasset, 
where they joined Capt. Samuel Rundlet's company, at- 
tached to Col. Samuel Thatcher's regiment of artillery, and 
remained in service until Nov. 4. The following list com- 
prises the names of those drafted : 



MILITARY HISTORY. 1 25 

Henry Butterfield, Lieutenant. 

William Talcott. ) ^ ^ 

Benjamin Butler, Jr. \ * 

PRIVATES. 

Solomon Adams, Jr. Joseph Butterfield. 

Moses S, Butler. William Butler. 

Flavel Bartlett. Edward Bartlett. 

Daniel J. Cony. Moses Chandler, 

John Dodge. Nathaniel W. Gould. 

Guy Green. George Morton, 

Zebulon Norton. Nathan Pinkham. 

Samuel Smith. Benjamin Weathern, Jr. 
Nicholas Winslow. 

While the troops of militia were thus assembled and dis- 
missed, Hardy continued in undisputed control of the eastern 
part of the State. But he and his officers seemed more bent 
upon the gayeties and social festivities v^hich belong to a 
garrison town, than in making further conquests of territory. 

Party spirit continued to run high. The assembling of 
the Hartford convention, Dec. 14, 1814, was the signal for 
the supporters of the president's policy to rally. Meetings 
were held, conventions called, resolutions adopted, and pa- 
triotic speeches delivered. A convention assembled at 
Farmington, probably in January, 181 5, and was composed 
of citizens of the various towns in the vicinity. All that is 
known of this convention is contained in the lines of a dog- 
gerel poem, written by a waggish federalist * and set to 
music. It formed a campaign song for the times, and was at 
the tongue's ends of the youngsters of the period. Few 
copies are known to be in existence, and it is here inserted, 
not for its intrinsic merit, but to show the spirit of the 
times : 

FARMINGTON CONVENTION. 

A convention, convention, if fame does not lie, 
Was holden at Farmington Academy ; 
Demos from the woodland together did flock, 



*Underst()()d to Ije John Ilnnter, nf Strong. 
17 



126 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

At the hour appointed, I forget what o'clock. 

Great William the Judge,* sir, was placed in the chair 

With a smack and a groan and a grunt and a stare. 

" Sirs, sirs," cried the Judge, " without any delay. 

Select a committee who'll know what to say. 

They'll make the arrangement — the rest may retire 

For you can't more than half of you get to the fire." 

So they chose a committee of A, B, and C, 

All the rest to conform to what they should agree. 

It is said the committee found some botheration, 

In planning their schemes to ruin the nation, 

But bold Usher was there from the field of the King, 

With his uplifted voice, sir, he made the hall ring ; 

He spoke with such zeal on that famed afternoon 

That he forced his hind flap through his patched pantaloon. 

Next the New Vineyard Merryt cried, " Rally you pates, 

There's a ' Netticut Vention ' from three or four states 

They're going to undo us if we don't prevent, 

I can tell you no more. Sirs, my knowledge is spent. 

But I'll fight like the d , I'll get me a sword 

And I'll mow them all down level smack smooth by the board : 

We must turn out to a man, sirs, and drive them like fury 

We'll shoot and stab Feds, sirs, without judge or jury." 

"That's right" cried bold Usher, "I'll fight till I'm dead, 

I've a good white oak goad stick and I'll kill every Fed 

If it costs my old horse, my baskets and sled." 

"Oh how patriotic!" cried William the Judge, 

" How I love everybody that owes 'em a grudge. 

You have nothing to fear, sirs, then join heart and hand, 

You have a gallant bold Usher to lead on your band." 

Then appeared the Gross merchant| right up from Castine 

With his prime English goods, just now fresh come in; 

How he spoke against smuggling and breaking the laws. 

What zeal he expressed in his dear country's cause ! 

So he swore by old Muggins — that crazy old elf. 

He'd have no mischief done but what he did himself. 

But the New Sharon Justice§ I vow he beat all, 

When he upon the Judge with such ardor did call. 

To know if the Government wouldn't give them a pension 

To pay them for meeting in that day's convention. 

There were some of them tarried till late in the night, 

And some getting drunk, and beginning to fight. 

There were some bloody faces, and some tattered clothes. 

And 'tis said one went home with a j^art of a nose." 



* William Reed of Strong. 

t Asa Merry. 

\ Asahel Gross of Farmington Falls. 

§ Prince Baker. 



MrUTARY HISTORY. 127 

The treaty of peace, between Great Britain and the 
United States, was signed at Ghent, Dec. 24, 18 14, but the 
news did not reach the people of Maine until the following 
February. All fear was laid aside, and the inhabitants 
everywhere indulged in the wildest demonstrations of joy. 

So far as can now be ascertained, only two Farmington 
men enlisted in the United States army and performed actual 
service on the field. David Bump served two years, and 
Elisha Jewett twenty-seven months. Both of these veterans 
lived for many years after the war, Mr. Jewett suviving 
until 1884, when he died at the advanced age of ninety-three, 
being among the last of the pensioners of the War of 1812. 

The military organizations continued to be maintained, 
and for many years the trainings and annual reviews were 
the great events of the year. In 1827, a brigade review, 
with Gen. Nathaniel Russell in command, was. held on the 
Craig interval, just above the village. Governor Lincoln and 
staff were present, and the town has probably never 
seen before or since, an occasion so important in the 
estimation of its inhabitants. The militia system virtually 
came to an end in 1843, and although the town had some 
volunteer organizations under succeeding laws, for many 
years no military organization has been in existence. A few 
stones on the hill, to the north-east of the village, the 
remnant of a magazine built in 1817, and its name. Powder 
House Hill, are the only remains of Farmington's military 
glory. 



CHAPTER VII. 

FROM THE CLOSE OF THE WAR OF \Zi2, UNTIL THE FORMA- 
TION OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, IN 1838. 

Financial Depression. — Misfortunes of Citizens. — Adams' Factory. — Gross' 
Distillery. — Cold Fever. — Cold Seasons. — Ohio Emigration. — Agita- 
tion of a Separation from Massachusetts. — Brunswick Convention. — 
Portland Convention. — Final Vote on the Question. — Freshet of 1S20. 
— Building Union Church at the Falls Village. — Early Temperance 
Movements. — Sandy River Yeoman. — Growth During the Decade. 

The years succeeding the close of the second war with 
Great Britain, were unfavorable years for the town of Farm- 
ington. In common with the whole country, the inhabitants 
suffered from the depreciated currency and the high prices 
of merchandise. During the war, molasses sold for one 
dollar a gallon ; Souchong tea for one dollar and a quarter a 
pound ; coffee for thirty cents a pound ; sheeting for forty 
cents a yard, and other articles were valued in a like propor- 
tion. The burden of taxation was also heavy. In addition 
to the direct tax on land and dwellings, a specific tax was 
levied on household furniture, watches, and carriages. 
Stamps costing from twenty-five cents to a dollar and a 
quarter, according to the value of the note were required on 
notes of hand. Several citizens of the town suffered severely 
from embarking in various manufacturing concerns during 
the enforcement of the embargo, which were rendered almost 
worthless after peace was established. Solomon Adams, 
Esq., one of the most substantial citizens, built, at a great 



COLD FEVER. 1 29 

expense, for the times, a cotton factory, on the Wilson 
Stream in Wilton, on the Abram Butterfield place. The 
investment was nearly a total loss, and seriously impaired 
Mr. Adams' fortune. Mr. Asahel Gross also conceived the 
idea of distilling whiskey for home consumption. Freights 
were high, and the practice prevailed of buying liquor of 
very high proof and diluting it to the standard strength. 
Mr. Gross sought to improve on this expedient. His distil- 
lery stood upon the west side of the river on the farm now 
owned by W. B. Gilman. Here he converted potatoes into 
a fluid which was said "to kill at forty rods," but which found 
a market among the thirsty inhabitants whose appetite for 
"the ardent" could not be fully satisfied in the potations of 
foreign liquors which made so heavy drafts upon their pock- 
ets. When the distillery was abandoned, after the close of 
the war, Col. Daniel Beale converted it into a manufactory of 
potash and pearlash. 

A serious disease hitherto unknown, and which received 
the name of "cold fever," visited this part of the State in 
1 8 14, and proved very fatal. This malady was of the typhoid 
type of fevers, and was characterized by a succession of 
chills, whence it took its name. It attacked the victim with 
intense pain in the extremities, and thence extended over all 
parts of the body ; and upon reaching the head, resulted in 
violent derangement. The skill of the physicians was 
baffled, and, so far as known, every one attacked died. 
Some of the most prominent citizens of Farmington, as well 
as of surrounding towns, succumbed to it ; among whom 
were Samuel Belcher, John Minot, Jeremy Wyman, Jere- 
miah Norton, and Joseph Starling. 

The seasons were also most unpropitious for agricultural 
pursuits. The year 181 5 was one of the most backward in 
the history of the country. On May 19th, a heavy snow- 
storm fell, and crops could not be planted until nearly the 
ordinary time for hoeing. But the following year was still 
more vnifavorable. The season of 18 16 has been called the 
season without a summer. Frost occurred in every month 
in the year, and no corn was raised. There was good sleigh- 



130 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON: 

ing in the latter part of April, and the few warm days of 
early May were succeeded by cold so severe that ice froze 
upon the apple-trees, killing the budding blossoms. Many 
birds were also chilled so severely as to perish. June 6th, a 
severe snow-storm set in, which was followed by such cold 
weather that vegetation was but little further advanced at 
the end of the month than at its beginning. When corn was 
ready to hoe, on the 8th and 9th of July, it was again cut 
down by frost. The hay crop was light ; and winter begin- 
ning in a snow-storm on October 7th, left the inhabitants in 
a gloomy state. The fears and forebodings of the supersti- 
tious were moreover excited by remarkable spots on the disc 
of the sun so large as to be clearly seen by the naked eye. 
The spring of 181 7 was well-nigh as cold and backward as 
the two preceding seasons had been, although later fine 
weather made the year a fruitful one. Food was very 
scarce. Hardly corn enough for seed had been gathered, 
and potatoes sold at seventy-five cents a bushel. No suffer- 
ing, however, is known to have resulted from this scarcity of 
food, but its effect was very disheartening. 

Under such discouragements many persons in the valley 
of the river began to look elsewhere for homes, and the eyes 
of all such turned to the beautiful and fertile region of the 
Ohio. The five years succeeding 181 7, are known as years 
of the Ohio fever. During this period a constant stream of 
emigration flowed from Maine into the Buckeye State. 
Farmington did not lose so many of her citizens as did the 
neighboring and smaller towns of Phillips and New Sharon, 
nevertheless several of the most enterprising farmers sold 
their farms to follow the westward star of empire. The 
journey was made in covered emigrant wagons, and occupied 
six weeks. Few who left their Eastern homes expected to 
look again upon their birth-place, and the separation of 
friends thus made was looked upon as a final separation for 
this world. Friends came from far and near to bid the 
travelers good-by and to shake hands' for the last time; 
little thinking that some of those thus leaving their native 
town, would live to return to it from the far Ohio in three 



SEPARA TION FROM MASS A CHUSETTS. 1 3 I 

days' time. When Jonathan Hopkinson, a much esteemed 
citizen, stood by the side of his wagon, whip in hand, saying 
the last words to his weeping friends, his wife's step-mother, 
Mrs. Francis Tufts, tried to cheer their hearts by saying, 
" Well, I suppose Hopkinson may as well go to heaven by 
the way of Ohio as any other way." And this was the 
general feeling, that when friends left for the great West the 
next meeting with them would be in the other world. 

Soon after the close of the war, the question of the sepa- 
ration of Maine from Massachusetts began to be agitated. 
The people of Maine had not been in full sympathy with the 
mother State in her position during the contest with Great 
Britain, and a strong feeling for the separation was felt in 
many quarters. The General Court of Massachusetts, by a 
resolve passed Feb. 10, 18 16, provided for town-meetings to 
be held throughout the District, on May 20th, at which the 
sentiments of the inhabitants regarding the question should 
be ascertained. The vote was found to be 10,393 in favor of 
separation, and 6,501 opposed to it, from a total number of 
37,828 legal voters. Farmington was found to be in favor of 
the measure, by a vote of one hundred and thirty-four to 
fifty-six. The senators and representatives from Maine, then 
petitioned the General Court to consent to the separation, 
and a resolve was passed prescribing the terms on which the 
separation might take place. It required another vote to be 
taken in September, and authorized a convention to meet in 
Brunswick to examine returns, and, if a majority of five to 
four were found to favor the separation, to form a constitu- 
tion. The vote of Farmington showed that those opposed 
to the policy of separation had rallied new adherents to their 
standard, the town standing one hundred and forty in favor 
to eighty-six against the measure. Dr. Josiah Prescott and 
Col. Joseph Fairbanks were chosen delegates to attend the 
convention. 

The prominent members of the convention were all warm 
supporters of the policy of separation. John Holmes, of 
Alfred, afterward United States senator from this State, 
espoused the cause with ardor, and when the votes were 



132 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

counted and it was found that only 11,969 were favorable to 
the measure, while 10,347 were opposed, he conceived the 
idea of counting the votes in such a manner as to give the 
required majority. It was found that the total number of 
yea votes in towns giving a majority for separation, were to 
the total number of nay votes in towns giving a majority 
against the measure, a larger affirmative ratio than five to 
four. It was accordingly decided that the necessary five- 
ninths of the voters were friendly to separation, and on the 
strength of the decision proceeded to appoint a committee to 
draw up a constitution, and to apply to Congress for admis- 
sion to the Union, adjourning to the third Tuesday of Decem- 
ber. This method of computation, which was known as the 
Brunswick arithmetic, or John Holmes' five-ninths, did not 
commend itself to the General Court, and it dissolved the 
convention. As time went on, the sentiment in favor of a 
distinct State organization increased. It was made some- 
what a party measure, since the federalists, who were a 
majority in the whole State, were in the minority in the 
District of Maine, and accused the democrats of inordinate 
ambition. At the May session of the General Court in 18 19, 
a petition was presented from numerous towns praying for a 
separation, and by an act passed June i6th, the towns in the 
district were authorized to again take the sense of the peo- 
ple, and if a majority of 1500 were found in favor to call a 
convention at Portland the second Monday in October, for 
the purpose of framing a constitution. The vote was taken 
July 24th, and a large proportion of the inhabitants signified 
their approbation. In Farmington, one hundred and eighty- 
five yeas and sixty-three nays were cast ; and at the Septem- 
ber town-meeting, Nathan Cutler and Jabez Gay were elected 
delegates to the convention. The constitution was duly 
framed and ratified, Farmington casting 105 votes in the 
affirmative and none in the negative, on the question of its 
adoption, and March 15, 1820, Maine was admitted as a State 
in the Union. 

The ten years succeeding the separation from Massachu- 
setts were quiet years in the history of Farmington. The 



SECOND GREAT FRESHET. 1 33 

year 1820 witnessed the second of the great freshets, which 
from time to time have devastated the valley of the river. 
The autumn of this year had been very dry, and the surface 
of the ground had become hard and impervious. A sudden 
and unexpected rain, in which the water descended in tor- 
rents during a single night, caused a sudden and rapid rise in 
the river, producing a freshet which did great damage 
throughout its entire length, washing the intervals to an un- 
precedented extent, and drowning many sheep and cattle. 
In one instance a farmer lost eighty sheep. The loss at the 
Falls village was a clean sweep of all the mills located at that 
point, together with their appurtenances, and also the bridge 
spanning the river between Farmington and Chesterville. 
The mills were located upon the north side of the river in 
the following order: First below the dam stood John Russ' 
saw-mill ; next above the bridge was Henry Russ' grist-mill ; 
next David Morrill's carding-mill ; then Jeremiah Stinch- 
field's fulling-mill ; then David Dwinell's trip-hammer and 
machine shop. At the lower end of the canal stood the old 
saw-mill owned by the estate of Jonathan Knowlton, Sen., 
and known as the "Jones Mill." These were entirely car- 
ried away, but a large quantity of material of which the mills 
and machinery were constructed floated on to Samuel Pres- 
cott's interval in New Sharon, and portions of it were 
recovered. In Mr. Stinchficld's fulling-mill was a large 
quantity of homespun cloth, both dressed and undressed, 
which was strewed along the river or buried in the sand and 
debris. The total loss of property at the Falls village was 
estimated at $20,000. The following year the saw-mill, the 
grist-mill, the carding-mill, and the fulling-mill were rebuilt 
upon the most approved models, by their respective owners ; 
but Mr. Dwinell did not replace his machine shop, nor was 
the "Jones mill" rebuilt. 

In 1826, the different religious societies at the Falls 
united to erect a house of worship. The Union Church was 
raised in that year and completed the year following, serv- 
ing as a meeting-house for all denominations until the Con- 
gregationalists built a separate edifice in 1879. 

iS 



134 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

The question of temperance began to be agitated among 
clergymen and philantliropists even before the war of 1812, 
and a temperance society was formed in Massachusetts as 
early as 1813; but the movement made but little headway 
among the people for many years. The early settlers of 
Farmington, like those of other rural towns in Maine, 
adopted the habits of the times in which they lived and 
almost all drank more or less ardent spirit. Those who had 
served in the Revolutionary army, had been accustomed to 
their regular "grog rations" and clung to this custom of 
war in time of peace. Previous to the separation of Maine 
from Massachusetts, license laws prevailed, and, as every one 
could obtain a license by paying a small fee, intemperance, 
and even drunkenness, prevailed to an alarming extent. At 
musters, at trainings, at raisings, on election days and all 
social occasions, the well-filled bumper was passed to all. 
While this practice was very general, there were many 
honorable exceptions, particularly among the clergymen, who 
abstained from liquor themselves and threw their voice and 
influence upon the side of abstinence. Temperance princi- 
ples, while gaining ground but slowly among the people at 
large, yet doubtless met with greater sympathy among the 
people of Maine than among those of any other State. As 
early as 1822, a citizen of Farmington was found who 
refused to stand treat on election day. It was then the uni- 
versal custom for the representative-elect, upon the declara- 
tion of votes, to open a barrel of New England rum for the 
delectation of the thirsty voters. Gen. William Gould was 
elected representative, in 1822, and having in mind the evils 
flowing from such indiscriminate drinking, quietly, but firmly 
refused to follow the established precedent. Great indigna- 
tion prevailed at what was considered unpardonable mean- 
ness, and a portion of the inhabitants re-assembled in the 
town-house to voice their rage in appropriate speeches and 
resolutions. Like many other serio-comic events in history, 
the most that is known of this meeting is preserved in a few 
rhymes which had a popular run among the boys of the 
period. The would-be poet said : 



TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT. 135 

" On Monday last we chose a son 

To represent fair Farmington ; 

But he arose and with a hum 

Said he wouldn't treat with brandy or rum. 

" Now *Isaac arose with manly look, 
Asked if the General had not partook 
Of rum and brandy heretofore 
And left the rest to pay the score. 

"Then tEben arose to plead the cause, 
And he rehearsed the British laws; 
Said he saw no reason why 
The General should do as others had done, 
In treating the town on brandy or rum." 

The foregoing is all that the writer recollects of a long 
poem. 

It is plain that many of the inhabitants felt personally 
aggrieved by this action of Gen. Gould, and probably were 
little appeased when the good man paid to the town treasurer 
the cost of a barrel of rum with instructions to devote the 
sum to the maintenance of public schools. The custom, 
however, was thus broken up, nor has it ever been revived. 

About the year 1828, the subject of total abstinence 
began to be discussed throughout the State, and a number 
of citizens of Farmington began to feel that the evils of in- 
temperance were so great as to occasion solicitude and alarm. 
Individuals had before been active in their endeavors to 
restrain the appetite for liquor in individual cases, but it was 
felt necessary to concentrate public opinion in some form in 
order to accomplish more important results. Accordingly, a 
meeting was held in the school-house of District No. 6, near 
Fairbanks' Mills, Jan. 2, 1829, and a temperance organization 
formed, under the name of the First Moral Temperance 
Society of Farmington. In this organization the now vener- 
able John Allen was the prime mover, and was chosen secre- 
tary of the society at its first meeting. The other officers 
were Joseph Fairbanks, Jr., president; and Thomas Flint, 



* Isaac Eaton. 

t Ebenezer Childs. 



136 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

vice-president. The constitution states the object of the 
society to be "to do away, as far as practicable, the evil of 
intemperance;" and pledges its members "to abstain from 
the use of intoxicating liquors except in case of absolute 
necessity when prescribed by a temperate physician as a 
medicine." The original members of this society were : 
John Allen, William S. Gay, Francis G. Butler, Luther 
Townsend, Joseph Fairbanks, Jr., Allen Bangs, John Pratt, 
Elisha Gay, Thomas Flint, Daniel Stanley, Jr., Thaddeus 
Mayhew, Henry Cushman, Jr. 

The meetings of the society were held at Fairbanks' Mills 
during the first year of its history ; but citizens in all parts 
of the town becoming interested in its purposes, its head- 
quarters were removed to the Center Village. Women, as 
well as men, were invited to help on the good cause, and the 
support given" by the better class of citizens was hearty. 
Meetings continued to be held with regularity until 1839, 
when it became superseded by the Washingtonian move- 
ment. During the ten years of its existence, the society 
held upon its roll the names of six hundred and ten persons, 
and the impetus given by it to the temperance cause in the 
town was of lasting influence. 

In 1 83 1, an attempt was made to establish a newspaper in 
Farmington, the first issue appearing in October of that 
year. It was a weekly sheet, known as the Sandy River 
Yeoman, and was edited and published by Wm. A. Dunn. 
Its contents were largely made up of excerpts from other 
periodicals, and comparatively little attention was paid to 
local news. It was a very creditable paper, however, but 
perished after its first year, doubtless for lack of support. 

The growth of the whole town, in the decade between 
1820 and 1830, was steady and considerable. The popula- 
tion increased from 1938 to 2341, and the value of estates 
from $115,462 to $161,789. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

CHURCH HISTORY. 

Religious Character of Early Settlers. — First Preaching. — Efforts to Settle 
a Minister. — Ministerial Lands. — First Settled Minister. — Distribution 
of Funds. — Methodist Church. — Jesse Lee. — Class Organized in Farm- 
ington. — Joshua Soule. — Early Preachers. — Brick Meeting-House. — 
Church Formed in the Village. — Meeting-House Erected. — Other 
Classes. — Secessions. — Free- Will Baptist Church. — Edward Lock's 
Preaching. — Revival. — Church Formed. — Defection of Lock. — Addi- 
tions to the Church. — Meeting-House Erected. — Pastors. — Second 
Free-Will Baptist Church. — Baptist Church Organized. — Meeting- 
House Built. — Pastor. — Congregational Church Organized. — Early 
Preachers. — Isaac Rogers. — Subsequent Pastors. — Universalist Church. — 
Christian Church. — Unitarian Church. — Meeting-House Built. — Catholic 
Church. 

Although Farmington was settled by a moral, and, to a 
degree, a religious class of people, little attention was given 
to the support of public worship during the first decade of 
the history of the town. And when finally missionaries 
began to visit the region, they seem to have been sent by 
outside aid, rather than to have come by invitation of the 
inhabitants. It should be said, however, that the first min- 
ister to preach in the township came by request of the 
earliest of the pioneers, Mr. Stephen Titcomb, for the pur- 
pose of baptizing his son, the first child born of English- 
speaking parents in the valley. As soon as the town was 
incorporated, movements began to be made to settle a min- 
ister. By the terms of the grant of the township, two valu- 
able lots, of three hundred and twenty acres each, had been 



138 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

reserved — one for the first settled minister, and one for the 
use of the ministry. It was therefore very desirable that 
the town in its corporate capacity should take some action in 
the matter of settling a minister, in order that these lands 
might be made available. But among the earliest of the 
settlers, were representatives of no less than five denomina- 
tions, and the number of sects was soon increased to six. It 
was therefore impossible for the people to agree upon a min- 
ister, and the article in the warrant for town-meeting "to see 
what the town will do in regard to settling a minister," was 
regularly inserted each year only to be as regularly dismissed. 
In the meanwhile, the ministerial lots were a source of great 
vexation. Some years, by vote of the town, they were let to 
different individuals, but being generally regarded as common 
property, trespassers who cut the wood and committed other 
depredations abounded. The various religious denomina- 
tions, however, were going forward to establish stated 
worship ; the meeting-house at the center of the town was 
built, and the need of such pecuniary help as the proceeds 
of these lands would give, began to be felt. The citizens 
accordingly petitioned the legislature to incorporate Oliver 
Bailey, Elijah Norton, Nathan Cutler, and Timothy Johnson, 
into a body politic, under the name of the Trustees of the 
Farmington Ministerial and School Funds, with power to sell 
and convey the school lands, and the lands devoted to the 
use of the ministry belonging to the town, and to put at use 
the moneys arising from the sale of the same, as soon as 
might be. The interest, arising from the money due on the 
land set apart for the use of the ministry, was to be annually 
devoted to the support of the gospel in the town, in the same 
manner as though the law had not been passed. The act 
passed the legislature Feb. 5, 181 1, and at a meeting of the 
trustees, held soon after, Oliver Bailey was chosen president 
of the board; Timothy Johnson, clerk; Nathan Cutler, 
treasurer; and Moses Chandler, Jabez Gay and Jesse Gould, 
were elected to fill the board. The proceeds from the sale 
of the lot set apart for the use of the ministry, including 
$y'J.d>7 interest, amounted to ^1,375.75. The interest arising 



CHURCH HISTORY. 1 39 

from this fund was divided annually by the town among the 
different religious societies, and by them appropriated to the 
support of preaching. 

The lot reserved for the first settled minister, was not 
disposed of until 1824, when the legislature passed an act 
constituting the board of town officers into a body corporate 
for the purpose of selling this land. The act further de- 
clared that the proceeds from the sale should be kept at 
interest, and the interest added to the principal annually, and 
the whole reserved for the original purpose. The lot was 
sold May 15, 1824. The proceeds, amounting to $1,368.08, 
were, according to the provisions of the legislative act, kept 
at interest until 1832. The different religious societies, 
being each desirous to secure its share of this fund, the leg- 
islature was petitioned to allow the town to distribute it. An 
act was accordingly passed by the legislature, authorizing the 
inhabitants of the town to distribute the funds arising from 
the sale of the ministerial lands among the six different 
religious organizations. Some doubts being expressed as to 
the validity of this act, it was deemed wise for the town to 
assemble in its capacity as a parish, and settle a minister. 
The meeting was called for Sept. 10, 1832, when it was voted 
to settle Elder Timothy Johnson, an esteemed local Free-Will 
Baptist preacher, as minister, upon his relinquishing his right 
in the ministerial funds and consenting to their distribution. 
Fifty dollars were reserved for Mr. Johnson, and upon his 
agreement to the terms, the parish passed a vote confirming 
the sale of the land, and the money was paid over to the 
authorized agents of the different denominations. Hiram 
Belcher received the money for the Congregationalists ; Mr. 
Benjamin Brainerd, for the Calvinist Baptist ; John Corbett, 
for the Free-Will Baptist ; William Cothren, for the Methodist, 
(Jeremiah Butler refusing to act); John Russ, for the 
Universalist, and Nathan Cutler, Esq., for the Unitarians. 
The share of each society amounted to $636.17, which was 
substantially disposed of as follows : The Congregationalists 
invested their portion in the building of a parsonage, which 
they still retain for the use of the minister. The Calvinist 



I40 HISTORY OF FARMINGTOM. 

Baptist put their portion into their present house of worship. 
The Free-Will Baptist purchased the parsonage which was 
burned in 1883, but from which they received ^1000, in insur- 
ance. The Methodists lost a part of their fund, but their 
parsonage represents the greater share of it. The Univer- 
salists have their portion as a fund. The Unitarians put the 
larger part of the money which came to them into a library, 
which was burned in the fire of Sept. 23, 1875. 

The religious history of the town, apart from the history 
of the public funds devoted to religious uses, is only the his- 
tory of the different denominations. They will therefore be 
treated of separately, and in the order of their establishment. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH. 

The Methodist Church in Farmington, was planted by 
the founder of Methodism in New England, that remarkable 
man, Jesse Lee. Mr. Lee was born of an aristocratic 
Virginia family, March 12, 1758, and preached his first ser- 
mon in 1779. He was commissioned by the New York 
Conference in 1790, to travel in New England, and in June 
of that year preached his first sermon in Boston, under the 
branches of the historic elm. His zeal and his fervor, as 
well as the peculiarities of his preaching, attracted multi- 
tudes, and no less than five thousand gathered to listen to 
his subsequent sermons. The conference held in Lynn in 
1793, appointed him to visit the District of Maine, and Sept. 
10, of that year he preached his first sermon in Saco. 
October 15th, he preached in Farmington at the house of 
Moses Starling, on the west side of the river, and nearly 
opposite the village. His preaching excited deep and wide- 
spread interest, and some of the most prominent families in 
the Sandy River valley, became interested in religion under 
his ministrations. From Farmington, Mr. Lee visited nearly 
all the towns then settled, between the Androscoggin and 
the Penobscot, penetrating as far east as Castine, much of the 
way being guided only by a spotted line. He established 
a circuit extending from Hallowell and Monmouth to Sandy 
River, and on his return to the conference in 1794, Philip 



METHODIST CHURCH. 14I 

Wager and Thomas Coop were appointed to take charge of 
it. The first class in Maine, was formed at Monmouth, the 
second at Readfield, and the third in Farmington, all in 
November, 1794. The class in Farmington was located in 
the Gay neighborhood, and consisted of Jotham Smith, who 
was appointed leader, Micah Weathern, and John Austin, 
and their wives, with William Gay and some others. William 
Gay succeeded Mr. Smith as leader soon after, and held the 
office for nearly fifty years. Immediately after, a class was 
formed on the east side, in the neighborhood of Elvaton 
Parker, who, with his wife and most of his children, became 
members, together with Mary and Polly Brown, Eleazer 
Pratt of New Vineyard, and Jacob Chandler, Nabby Pease, 
Zilpha Green, Sally Gay, Patience Butler and some others. 
At Strong a class was organized which included some of 
the most prominent citizens, among whom were William 
Reed, Esq., t21iab Eaton, Richard Clark, Edward Flint, with 
their wives, and several more. A class was also formed in 
Avon, among whose members were Moses Dudley, Ebenezer 
Thompson, and Joshua Soule, Jr., afterward a bishop in the 
Methodist Church. At this time Soule was a young man, 
having been born in Bristol, August i, 1781, So marked 
were his abilities that he received a license to preach when 
but seventeen years old, was ordained in 1802, and became 
presiding elder of the Maine District in 1804. From this 
his rise was rapid. In 1824 he was elected bishop. Bishop 
Soule adhered to the southern Methodist Church in its divi- 
sion, and threw in his lot with the southern cause. He 
died in Nashville, Tenn., March 6, 1867. 

The societies at Strong and Avon were included in the 
circuit, and at the conference at Lynn in 1795 F2noch Mudge 
and lilias Hull were appointed to this charge. The most of 
the country was at this time an unbroken wilderness, and 
these preachers experienced all the hardships and privations 
incident to their life, with that same heroism for which the 
early ministers in the Methodist Church are famed. The 
first quarterly meeting in Maine, was held on this circuit, at 
Monmouth, June 23, 1795, witli Jesse Lee as presiding elder. 

19 



142 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Mr. Lee visited Maine twice, subsequently, once in 1800, and 
the last time in 1808. His death took place in Baltimore in 
1 8 16. Joshua Taylor was placed in charge of the Monmouth 
and Sandy River circuit in 1797, and the following year 
formed a class at the Falls, consisting of Nathaniel Whittier 
and Jonathan Knowlton, with their wives, and John and 
Sarah Gower, Desire Stinchfield, Ruth Whittier, Jesse Ing- 
ham, Phoebe Oaks, and Hannah Titcomb, afterward wife of 
William Allen and mother of Stephen and Charles F. Allen 
of the Maine Methodist Conference. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen 
Titcomb joined the class soon after, and continued efficient 
members until their death. It was largely through the 
efforts of the members of this society, particularly those of 
Jonathan Knowlton and Stephen Titcomb, that the first 
meeting-house in the town was erected at the Falls, in 1799. 
The first Methodist meeting-house in Maine, was built at 
Readfield, in 1795. 

In 1820, Daniel Went worth, then preacher in charge of 
the circuit, formed a class on Porter's Hill, consisting of 
Osgood Eaton, Job Brooks, William Russell, with their 
wives, some others joining soon after. Osgood Eaton was 
leader of this class until he died, in 1837, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Job Brooks, who held the office for ten years, or 
until his death. Eliab Eaton, a worthy son of Osgood 
Eaton, was the next leader, and he continued to hold the 
position until he also passed away. By death and removal, 
this class has become extinct. 

The Brick meeting-house which stands on the west side 
of the river near Fairbanks bridge, was built in 1831, almost 
entirely through the liberality of members of the Methodist 
communion in that part of the town. The expense of the 
house was about $1400, which was defrayed by the sale of 
pews. This edifice was used as a house of worship quite 
constantly until the erection of the church at the Center 
Village, in 1849, and services have since been held with more 
or less regularity until the last ten years. It is now seldom 
used, and is rapidly going to decay. 

No Methodist society existed in the village until 1831. 



METHODIST CHURCH. 1 43 

In that year a small class was formed, and John Jewett ap- 
pointed leader. The ground was well occupied by other 
denominations, and the Methodists found little encourage- 
ment until the meeting-house was built, in 1849, largely 
through the efforts of Mr. Jewett the class leader. At that 
time Farmington was made a station, and Rev. Stephen 
Allen appointed pastor. Previously Farmington with Vienna 
formed a circuit, and preaching was given once in two weeks 
at the Brick meeting-house on the west side of the river, 
once in four weeks at Farmington Falls, and once in four 
weeks at Vienna. Mr. Allen remained with the church three 
years, and was very successful in building it up. Many were 
converted and added to its membership, while several sub- 
stantial families moved into the village, who added much to 
the strength of the society. Conspicuous among these was 
Dr. John L. Blake, the "good physician," who still lives at 
the advanced age of ninety-two ; Col. Joseph Dyar, and Geo. 
W. Whitney. So rapid was the increase in the size of this 
church during the next twenty-five years, that it out-grew 
the limits of its first edifice, and in 1877 a new and com- 
modious church was erected upon the old site, at a cost, 
including furniture, of $12,000. This church was dedicated 
Oct. 31, 1877, free from debt, and is considered one of the 
best houses of worship in this part of the State. The 
society had previously purchased a parsonage, in 1858, for 
$1,300, which is still occupied by the preacher in charge. 
The membership of this church is now 209. Its pastors 
have been : 

Rev. Stephen Allen, appointed 1849; 

Rev. William Foster, appointed 1851; 

Rev. J. McMillan, appointed 1852; 

Rev. A. Moore, appointed 1854; 

Rev. Charles Munger, appointed 1855; 

Rev. Charles F. Allen, appointed 1857; 

Rev. Charles Fuller, appointed i860; 

Rev. A. Sanderson, appointed 1862; 

Rev. Parker Jacques, appointed 1864; 

Rev. Geo. Wingate, appointed 1866; 



144 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Rev. A. R. Sylvester, appointed 1868; 

Rev. Stephen Allen, appointed 1870; 

Rev. W. W. Baldwin, appointed 1873; 

Rev. E. T. Adams, appointed 1874; 

Rev. Charles Munger, appointed 1876; 

Rev. Roscoe Sanderson, appointed 1878; 

Rev. Charles F. Allen, appointed 1881 ; 

Rev. Cyrus Stone, appointed 1882. 

Other classes besides those already mentioned have been 
formed at different times in various parts of the town. For a 
time one was in existence in the Mosher neighborhood, one 
at Backus Corner, and one in the Holley neighborhood. 
Several preachers have gone out from these societies. Benj. 
F. Sprague, Jabez T. Gay, and John Allen, became mem- 
bers of the Maine Conference, and John Gower, Joseph 
Russell, Jeremiah Butler, John Norton, Moses Brown, and 
Peter E. Norton, have been acceptable local preachers. 
Among the ministers of the Methodist connection who 
labored in Farmington in the early days of the church, be- 
sides those already mentioned, were Cyrus Stebbins, John 
Brodhead, Epaphras Kibbey, Asa Heath, Oliver Beale, 
Nathan Emery, Joseph Snelling, Elisha Streeter, Joseph 
Baker, Joshua Randall, Benjamin Burnham, Caleb Fogg, 
and Philip Munger. 

Two secessions from the Methodist Episcopal Church 
were organized in 1843. The Protestant Methodists gained 
a large following, and were for a time a sect of some impor- 
tance. The society was first formed in the northern part of 
the town, by Benjamin Dodge, a native of Strong, who had 
been a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but 
•who had joined the Protestant movement in Massachusetts. 
The society as formed, Jan. 17, 1843, was composed of 
Benjamin Dodge, Richard H. Dorr, Nathan S. Davis, Moses 
Brown, and Stephen Williams. Jabez T. Gay and Marchant 
Holley, united immediately afterwards, and all of these first 
members became preachers or exhorters in the church. A 
remarkable religious revival soon after commenced, and 
meetings were held throughout the spring of that year. The 



FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. 145 

local preachers were assisted by the Rev. John McLeish and 
Rev. John Norris. Some seventy members were admitted 
to fellowship, and the organization was kept up for several 
years ; but its members were gradually absorbed into the 
parent church. 

The Wesleyan Methodists formed a society upon the 
west side of the river, in March, 1843, consisting of Moses 
Lufkin of Strong, Joseph Russell, Peter R. Tufts and Mrs. 
Tvifts, Ira Sprague and Mrs. Sprague, Matthias S. Norcross 
and Mrs. Norcross, Andrew Tuck, and Daniel York. Peter 
R. Tufts was appointed leader, and, at the ensuing confer- 
ence, Benjamin Bullock was stationed with this society half 
of the time, preaching at the Brick meeting-house alternately 
with the Methodist Episcopal preachers. Some few addi- 
tions were made to this society during the next years, but as 
the Methodist Episcopal Church soon took pronounced 
ground against slavery, the need of such an organization 
ceased, and most of its members went back into the elder 
church. 

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. 

In the summer of 1792, Rev. Edward Lock, a minister of 
the Free-Will Baptist Church, removed from New Hampshire, 
where he had been pastor of a church in London and Canter- 
bury, to Chesterville. Soon after his arrival he made 
appointments for preaching at the house of Moses Starling 
on the west side of the river, and at a barn owned by Joseph 
Norton on the east side. No particular interest was mani- 
fested at these meetings until near the close of the year, 
when a revival began which increased in interest during the 
winter. Mr. Lock baptized a number of persons, and March 
29, 1793, these individuals, together with Mr. Lock, united in 
church fellowship. These first members were Mr. and Mrs. 
Josiah Everett, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Turner, Mr. and Mrs. 
John F. Woods, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sylvester, Francis 
Tufts, Joseph Holland, Abigail Bradford, and probably some 
others. Francis Tufts and John F. Woods were appointed 
ruling elders; Joseph Sylvester, deacon; Joseph Holland, 



146 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

clerk ; and to Mr. Lock, the »pastoral charge of the infant 
church was given. In the September following, Benjamin 
Randall, the founder of the order of Free-Will Baptists, while 
traveling in Maine with a committee from the yearly confer- 
ence, visited the newly-formed society at Farmington ; and, 
after a proper examination, proceeded to extend the right- 
hand of fellowship to the Church, and welcomed it as a sister 
church in the Free-Will Baptist denomination, Sept. 23, 1793. 
This was the first church formed in the State east of Gor- 
ham or north of Woolwich and Edgecomb, and was first recog- 
nized in the conference which met in Gorham in October of 
the same year. Mr. Randall, in company with Rev. John 
Buzzel, visited the valley of the river a second time, in Sep- 
tember, 1794, when he organized a church at Upper Town, 
now Phillips, and on his return preached on the Sabbath at 
Deacon Francis Tufts', at the same time administering the 
Lord's Supper, the first time, it is supposed, the ordinance 
was observed in the history of the town. At the yearly 
meeting held at Edgecomb, Sept. 6, 1794, the Edgecomb and 
Farmington quarterly meetings were established, and their 
bounds so defined that the Farmington district embraced all 
the churches of the order north of Edgecomb and east of 
Androscoggin river save Lewiston ; and the Edgecomb 
district comprised Lewiston and all the sea-coast east of 
Brunswick. 

The revival continued in progress during the succeeding 
years and extended into all parts of the town. Additions 
were constantly made to the church, which, by 1796, num- 
bered some forty persons. Besides those already named 
were Joseph, Elisha, Moses, Sarah, Huldah and Polly Brad- 
ford, Mr. and Mrs. David Wentworth, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac 
Powers, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Riant, Mrs. Dorothy Craig, 
Elisha Gay, John Tufts, and Prudence Parker, as well as 
Isaac, Ebenezer and Eliphalet Brown, and Job and Eliphalet 
Hardy of Wilton. The church took the New Testament as 
its only rule of faith and practice, and the members were 
well agreed among themselves in its applications. They 
early took means to raise money, which was devoted not only 



FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 47 

to the maintenance of preaching, but to the relief of any of 
the church who were found to be in destitute circumstances. 

By 1798, the church covered so large a territory that it 
became necessary to establish three Sabbath appointments 
and church conferences, which were held alternately, at Isaac 
Brown's in Wilton, and at John F. Woods' and David Went- 
worth's at Farmington, and were generally well attended by 
the members in those sections. At that time the inhabitants 
were obliged to go from place to place over imperfect roads, 
and even short journeys were attended with difificulties. 
The church suffered severely at this time of its greatest 
prosperty, by the defection of its founder and pastor, Mr. 
Lock. Concerning this unfortunate passage in the history 
of the church. Judge Parker says: 

"Although possessed of more than ordinary mind and 
talent, and apparently zealous in the cause of truth, Mr. 
Lock never perhaps possessed that disinterested devotedness 
to the cause of the Redeemer necessary in a minister of the 
gospel to be truly useful in building up the church of God ; 
for he soon attempted to create a schism in the churches by 
introducing a plan for forming a community of Christians 
who were to have all things in common, their property to be 
thrown into one common stock, with himself to control, if 
not to possess, the whole. He partially succeeded in draw- 
ing up a platform, and in drawing off a few, but when his 
plan was more fully understood, it resulted in an entire 
failure, and he soon lost the confidence of the Christian 
public by a course of life which not only lessened his influ- 
ence as a preacher of the gospel, but ended in the prostration 
of his moral character. His connection with the church was 
dissolved about 1800, and was never after renewed. He 
died in Embden in 1824, aged eighty-two." 

In spite of this serious blow, most of the members of the 
church remained steadfast in their profession, and meetings 
were regularly sustained. Ebenezer Brown, who was a man 
of deep piety as well as gifted as a speaker, rendered essen- 
tial service in sustaining public worship, and various ministers 
from other parts of the State occasionally supplied preach- 



148 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

ing. Mr. Brown was ordained in 1804, and Ebenezer Scales, 
also a member of the church, received ordination at the 
same time, The preaching of that period was more of an 
itinerant character than is customary at the present time, 
and gave great scope for the public exercise of individual 
gifts. In 1807 the church at Wilton was separated from the 
Farmington church, and separate Sabbath appointments 
made. Benaiah Pratt was ordained Oct. 17, 1807, and Tim- 
othy Johnson about the same time, both members of the 
church, and they took particular charge of the church, Mr. 
Johnson having special oversight until about 1842. The 
years 1808, 1809, and 1821, were seasons of special religious 
interest, when the membership of the church was somewhat 
increased. From 1821 until 1834, the church was supplied 
by occasional preaching by Elias and Samuel Hutchins, 
Hubbard Chandler, S. Curtis, and S. Hathern, as well as 
others, Mr. Johnson in the meantime having the supervision 
of the church. 

In 1804, a union protracted meeting was held which 
resulted in an extensive revival, and considerable additions 
were made to this church as well as to other churches in 
town. Sept. 22d an invitation was extended to Rev. John 
Cheny to preach one-half the time and take the oversight of 
the church, an understanding being made with Mr. Johnson. 
The invitation was accepted, and large accessions were made 
to the church during his pastorate. Up to this time the 
society had no house of worship, although they owned a 
small share in the meeting-house at Fairbanks bridge, and 
services had been held in school-houses in various parts of 
the town, for the most part in the brick school-house on 
Anson St. in the Village. In 1835 the brick meeting-house 
still occupied by this denomination was erected at the Center 
Village, at a cost of $1250 including its fine site. After the 
completion of this house of worship, Mr. Chcny confined 
his labors wholly to this church, remaining with it until 
1840, when he was dismissed at his own request. He was 
succeeded l^y Rev. Dexter Waterman, who divided his time 
with the church in Phillips until 1843. Mr. George W. 



FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. 1 49 

Bean was ordained pastor to succeed Mr. Waterman, June 
14, 1843, and continued as, pastor, devoting his entire time 
to the church until 1845. In common with the other 
churches of the town, this church received considerable 
additions as the result of the religious interest of 1843, and 
at this time probably saw its period of greatest prosperity. 
Rev. Isaac Libby followed Mr. Bean as pastor in May, 1846, 
remaining one year with the society. After an interregnum 
of a year, Rev. Samuel P. Morrill began the supply of the 
church in the spring of 1848, and acted as pastor for five 
years. During the year 1855, Rev. M. C. Stanley acted as 
pastor, and in 1857 Rev. J. M. Bedell was settled as pastor 
and held the office until August, 1859, when Rev. Charles 
E. Blake assumed the pastorate. Mr. Blake was a man 
highly esteemed by the church and won the interest of the 
community by his patriotic attitude during the war. He 
enlisted as a soldier in the fall of 1861, in the 13th Regiment 
of Maine Volunteers, and was afterwards appointed chaplain 
of the same regiment. Having been honorably discharged, 
in August, 1863, Mr. Blake resumed his relation to the 
church, and continued to act as pastor until 1866. Since 
Mr. Blake's departure, the pastorates of the church have 
been of short duration. Rev. A. Deering acted as pastor in 
1870; Rev. F. Reed, in 1872; and Rev. O. Roys, in 1873 
and 1874. During the pastorate of Mr. Roys, about fifteen 
members were received into the church. Rev. W. C. Hulse 
labored with this people during 1875, and J. Herbert Yeo- 
man, a portion of the year 1877. In 1879, ^^^- ]• Burnham 
Davis was called to the pastoral charge. The church had 
become enfeebled through the lack of oversight, but Mr. 
Davis proved a faithful and efficient pastor, and was success- 
ful in gathering the scattered membership and strengthening 
them in the spiritual life. Some new members were also 
received to fellowship. Mr. Davis resigned the pastorate in 
the spring of 1882, and removed to Meredith Village, N. H. 
In January, 1884, Rev. E. N. Berry of Livermore, accepted a 
call to supply the pulpit, and still remains in charge. 

The total membership of the P^ree-Will Baptist Church 



I'SO HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

since its organization, has been not far from 300, and its 
present membership is 80, of whom 25 are absentees. The 
deacons have been, Elisha Gay, Isaac Perkins, John Corbett, 
Benjamin Adams, Asa Butterfield, and Bainbridge Wade. 

Two other Free-Will Baptist churches have existed in 
town at different times. A small church was gathered in the 
southwest part of the town, about 181 3, known as the Sec- 
ond Free-Will Baptist Church. It continued but a few 
years, however, and was then disbanded, some of its mem- 
bers uniting with the Christian Church in that vicinity, and 
others joining such Free-Will Baptist churches as gave them 
accommodation. 

Another church was also established at Farmington Falls, 
which in time became extinct. The present church of that 
order at the Falls village, is for the most part made up of 
residents of Chesterville. It is a feeble organization, sustain- 
ing no regular public services. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The first minister of the Baptist denomination known to 
have visited the Sandy River valley, was Rev. Eliphalet 
Smith, from Massachusetts, an itinerant preacher and an 
eminent divine. 

His first visit was in 1792, when he attended some ap- 
pointments in dwelling-houses, mostly, however, at the 
dwelling-house of Moses Starling. He was very active and 
thorough in his work, and visited the homes of the early set- 
tlers, laboring to impress upon all with whom he came in 
contact, the truths of the gospel. Mr. Smith was subse- 
quently settled as the pastor of a Baptist church in Starling, 
now Fayette. 

From 1792 to 1797, the place was visited from time to 
time by elders. Smith, Case, Billings, and others, and in the 
latter year a Baptist church was organized. Prominent 
among the members of this church were. Church Brainerd, 
Abigail Brainerd, Eliphalet Bailey, Joseph Fairbanks, and 
Abel Sweet, of Farmington, and William Bradbury of Ches- 
terville. Church Brainerd was chosen deacon. The church 



BAPTIST CHURCH. 15 I 

as thus constituted was not favored wjth regular preaching, 
consequently accessions to it were limited, yet in 1809 there 
were upon its roll some twenty-two members. In 18 10, in 
consequence of some internal dissensions the church was 
dissolved, and a new church organized July 20, 18 10, by the 
assistance of a council representing the Baptist churches of 
the towns of Fayette and Jay. The new church embraced 
eight male and fourteen female members. 

From its first organization in 1797, to 1821 the church 
was favored with occasional preaching, by Messrs. Case, 
Smith, Billings, Briggs, Lowe, Boardman, and some others — 
men of intellectual strength — who preached the Word with 
great fervency, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the 
church and parish, yet many were called but few chosen. 
This condition of the church and society clearly betokened 
the need of a stated ministry, and, in 1821, Rev. Winthrop 
Morse was ordained as pastor. The church at this time 
numbered fifty-two members. Mr. Morse was a very accept- 
able preacher ; although possessing little of the oratorical 
flourish. His sermons, nevertheless, were fraught with 
much of the eloquence of sincerity, earnestness, and truth. 
He resigned, after a pastorate of three years. 

The church was without a pastor from the resignation of 
Mr. Morse until 1828, when Rev. Hezekiah Hull, from Nova 
Scotia, labored successfully for two years, during which time 
some accessions were made. 

In August, 1834, a protracted Union meeting was held at 
the Center Village, and some additions were made to the 
church as the fruit of this meeting. Up to this time the 
society had been destitute of a suitable house for public 
worship. Their meetings were held at first in barns and 
dwelling-houses, and subsequently in school-houses in differ- 
ent parts of the town, and occasionally at the Center 
Meeting-House, which was owned by six or seven different 
religious societies. 

In 1835, the Baptist society purchased a desirable site, 
and began the erection of a convenient and substantial 
church at the Center Village, which was completed the next 



152 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

year. It is built of brick, forty-two and one-half by sixty- 
eight feet, surmounted by a belfry, and exhibits great har- 
mony of proportion. It contains sixty-two pews, with a 
vestry on the same floor, which serves as an entry to the 
body of the house and a means of communication with the 
gallery. The cost of this house was about ^5,000, which was 
defrayed by the sale of the pews, with the exception of ^600 
that were appropriated from funds accruing to the society as 
its proportion of the proceeds of the sales of the ministerial 
lands, and perhaps $200 raised by voluntary subscription. 

Upon the completion of the church, the Baptist society 
took measures to sustain preaching statedly, from one-half to 
three-fourths of the time, until the settlement of Mr. Ama- 
ziah Joy as their pastor, who was ordained Dec. 5, 1838, 
and continued his undivided labors with the church until 
Feb. 8, 1840, when he was dismissed. Mr. Joy was suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Levi B. Hathaway, whose ordination took 
place June 30, 1841. He remained a faithful sentinel upon 
the watch-tower until May 30, 1842, when his brief pastoral 
labors were terminated. In September, 1842, the church 
gave Rev. N. M. Williams a call to the pastorate for five 
years, which was accepted. 

During the first year, application was made to the Mis- 
sionary Society for assistance in his support, which was 
granted : afterwards provision was made by voluntary sub- 
scription. Mr. Williams presented a letter of resignation 
May 3, 1846, which was accepted, much to the regret of 
many members of the church. At the close of his pastorate 
there were about ninety members on the church roll. After 
the departure of Mr. Williams, the society was without a 
pastor until Sept. 9, 1848, when Rev. Charles Miller, a 
native of Stirling, Scotland (where he was born, Oct. i, 
1794, coming to this country in April, 18 19), came to 
Farmington from Livermore, where he had been preaching, 
and served acceptably as a minister until May 31, 185 1, 
the date of his resignation. He removed to Skowhegan, 
where he now resides, and was succeeded by Rev. Cyrus 
Tibbetts, whose pastorate continued from August 3, 1851, 
to Dec. 31, 1854. Mr. Tibbetts removed to Belfast. 



BAPTIST CHURCH. 153 

Rev. J. D. Reicl, from West Waterville, was called, and 
settled over this church for some time, between the years 
1854 and 1858, when he resigned and removed to Athol, 
Mass. 

Rev. G. M. P. King, from Paris, was called, and settled as 
pastor April 25, 1858. His resignation was accepted August 
I, 1859, and he removed to Washington, D. C. 

Rev. Abner Morrill, from Tennessee, was called, and set- 
tled Nov. 5, 1859. He remained until August 22, 1862, when 
he removed to Turner, and thence to New York, where he 
now resides. 

Rev. E. Pepper was ordained as pastor of the church 
Feb. 9, 1864, and remained until October i, 1866, when he 
removed to Eastport. 

Rev. F. W. Emerson, from Greene, was called, and set- 
tled over the church June i, 1867. He resigned Jan. 31, 
1869, and removed to Brunswick. 

Mr. F. W. Tolman, from Harrison, was ordained pastor 
of the church Jan. i, 1870, and remained until April 28, 
1872, when he resigned and moved to New Hampshire. 

Rev. James Heath, from Harhilton, N. Y., was called, and 
settled Jan. 5, 1873. His resignation took effect August 

I5> 1875- 

Mr. O. O. Ordway was ordained as pastor June 13, 1876. 
He remained but a short time, and removed to Nobleboro. 

Rev. A. W. H. Eaton, and Rev. H. B. Tilden were called, 
and settled as pastors of the church for some time, between 
the years 1876 and 1881. They each resigned, and sought 
labor in other fields. Mr. Eaton entered Harvard Univer- 
sity, from which he graduated in 1880, and has since taken 
orders in the Episcopal Church. 

Rev. W. H. S. Hascall, a native of Portland, was called, 
and settled as pastor of the church October i, 1881. His 
resignation took effect April 15, 1883, and with his family 
he went as a Baptist missionary to Henthada, Burmah, a 
field he had before occupied. 

Mr. Edward A. Mason was ordained pastor of the church 
in August, 1883. He is a young man of much promise, 



154 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

and in his sermons presents the truth in its immediate and 
practical relation to the lives of men. 

The deacons of the Baptist Church have been, Church 
Brainerd, elected in 1797; Isaac Thomas, elected July 26, 
1 8 10; Eliphalet Bailey, elected April 13, 181 1; John Bailey, 
elected Nov. 27, 1828; Job Morse, elected July i, 1843; 
John Day, elected Sept. 9, 1848; Albert G.Wheeler, elected 
June 2, i860; John T. Taylor, elected June 2, 1883 ; James 
Bailey, elected June 2, 1883. 

The clerks of the church have been, Benjamin Brainerd, 
elected July 26, 18 10; Isaac Bailey, elected Feb. 27, 1826; 
Ebenezer Childs, elected May 7, 1836; Job Morse, elected 
April II, 1842; Albert G. Wheeler, elected Sept. 9, 1848; 
Lorilla Sweet, elected June 30, 1849; Albert G. Wheeler, 
elected Feb. 4, i860; James Bailey, elected July 31, 1880; 
Everett B. Norton, elected Jan. 5, 1884. 

THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, 

The religious belief of a large portion of the earliest 
settlers in Farmington was that of the Universalist faith, 
nearly all the Dunstable party belonging to that order. It 
is not definitely known at what time the first preachers of 
this denomination visited the township, but it must have been 
early in the present century, if not before. A Rev. Mr. Barnes 
is believed to have been the first preacher, and Elias Smith, 
with possibly others, also came into the region in an early 
day. In 181 1, a petition signed by inhabitants of Farmington 
and adjoining towns, but nearly all of Farmington, was sent 
to the General Court praying to be incorporated as a relig- 
ious society. This petition is preserved in the archives of 
Massachusetts, and reads as follows. The names of resi- 
dents of Farmington are italicised. 

To the Honorable the Senate and Honorable the House of Represent- 
atives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court 
assembled^ A. D. 181 1. 

The subscribers, inhabitants of the towns of Farmington, 
Wilton, Chesterville, New Sharon, Industry, Strong, and Temple, 
respectfully represent that they profess to belong to the denomina- 



UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 



155 



tion of Christians called Universalists, that they are desirous of 
supporting a public teacher and public worship, in a regular and 
orderly manner, and for this purpose find an incorporation neces- 
sary. They therefore request that they, with their families, polls 
and estates, may be incorporated into a religious society by the 
name of the Universalist Society in Farmington, with all powers, 
privileges and immunities to which parishes are entitled by the 
Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth for religious purposes 
only, and likewise for the privilege of receiving those who may 
hereafter wish to join this incorporation with their polls and estates 
to be holden in the same manner as your humble petitioners, and 
as in duty bound will ever pray. 



William Gould. 
Jesse Butterfield. 
Asa Butterfield. 
Warren Butterfield. 
James Ciimmings. 
John Morrison. 
John Lowell. 
Hannah Butterfield. 
Peter Cor belt. 
Jeremy Wyman. 
H. G. Quincy. 
Nathaniel Folsani. 
Lot ILosmer. 
Samuel Ladd. 
James Marvel. 
Lsaac B. Porter. 
Joseph Starling. 
Lsaac Butterfield. 
Noah M. Gould. 
Guy Green. 
Moses Butterfield. 
S. Quincy. 
Jacob Jordan. 
Newell Gordon. 



Henry Butterfield. 
Joseph Butterfield. 
Joseph LLiscock. 
Reuben Butterfield. 
Benjamin Weathern. 
Reuben Lowell. 
Jeremiah Stinchfield. 
Jonathan Russ. 
Ebenezer Jones. 
William Gower. 
David Dwi?iel. 
John P. Sha7v. 
T. D. Blake. 
Johfi Young. 
Daniel Beak. 
Asa Brown. 
John Russ. 
Benjamin Whittier. 
Lemuel Bursley. 
Reuben Lowell., Jr. 
Jefi^ry B. Brotvn. 
Nathaniel Whittier. 
Leonard Billings. 
James Butterfield. 



The prayer of this petition was granted, and the society 
was organized Sept. 2, 181 1, by the choice of Jeremiah 
Stinchfield, clerk; Benjamin Weathern, Reuben Lowell, and 



156 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Jeremy Wyman, assessors; William Gould, treasurer, and 
Reuben Lowell, Jr., collector. At the same meeting, Thomas 
Gordon, Reuben Lowell, and Horatio G. Ouincy, were ap- 
pointed delegates to represent the society in the general 
convention to be held in Freeport the second Wednesday of 
September. Immediate measures were taken to raise the 
funds necessary for the support of preaching, and an assess-, 
ment of $100 was levied upon the estates of the members of 
the society. Rev. Mr. Root was employed for one-third of 
the time, and from 1 812, when the general convention met 
at Farmington, until 1824, preaching was furnished a part of 
the time. About the year 1820, William Allen Drew came 
to Farmington as preceptor of the Academy, and united 
with this society. He was a young man of more than usual 
abilities, and soon became an able speaker. So long as he 
was a resident of the town, he preached quite regularly for 
the society. The Universalists were, for the most part, 
residents of the lower part of the town, and had but a small 
interest in the Center Meeting-House. Their services were 
usually held in the old meeting-house at the Falls and in 
school-houses, but Mr. Drew frequently preached in the hall 
of the Academy building. Mr. Drew left town about 1823, 
and soon after, Rev. Zenas Thompson settled with the 
society. From time to time accessions had been received, 
and at the time of Mr. Thompson's settlement, the society 
numbered about seventy persons. The state of the society 
becoming somewhat unpromising, it was thought best in 
1829 to organize a new society, under the name of the First 
Universalist Society of Farmington and Vicinity. This 
organization was effected under a law then existing, by a 
warrant issued from a justice of the peace upon the petition 
of William Gould and sixteen others. These petitioners 
met at the school-house near Reuben Butterfield's, June 
29th, and organized by the choice of Gen. William Gould, 
moderator, and Zenas Thompson, clerk. . The meeting 
adjourned to the first Wednesday in September, when ten 
additional members were received and the following officers 
chosen: John Russ, James Butterfield, and Lemuel Bursley, 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 157 

assessors ; Nathaniel Whittier, collector ; Moses Butterfield, 
treasurer, and Leonard Billings, Ira Morse, and William 
Gould, standing committee. Mr. Thompson continued to 
labor with the society until April, 1833, when his pastoral 
relation ceased at his own request. About the year 1850, 
Rev. Mr. Frost began to preach for the society and remained 
until 1855. During his pastorate the Sunday services were 
usually held in the school-house near Reuben Butterfield's 
house. Since the departure of Mr. Frost no minister has 
been settled and preaching has only been held occasionally. 

In 1832, the society received $&^6.\'] as its share of the 
ministers' and ministerial fund, and this fund has been held 
intact and slightly increased. Its income, together with 
some voluntary contributions, are devoted regularly to the 
support of preaching. The location of the society was 
moved to Keith's Mills, about the year 1878, and there Sab- 
bath services are held a portion of the time. 

Since the organization of the society, about 160 male 
members have been connected with it, and the present mem- 
bers number not far from twenty, a part of whom reside in 
Chesterville. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

Few of the earliest settlers in Farmington belonged to 
the Congregational order, and this denomination was weak 
through the first years of the history of the town, its church 
being among the latest organized. The first preaching in 
the township, however, was by a minister of this denomina- 
tion, the Rev. Ezekiel P^merson of Georgetown. He came 
into the settlement, probably, about the year 1783, for the 
purpose of baptizing the first child born in the wilderness, 
the son of Mr. Stephen Titcomb ; and at that time he 
preached in Mr. Titcomb's log-house. As early as 1790, the 
Massachusetts Missionary Society began to send missionaries 
into the Sandy River region, and in that year Rev. Daniel 
Little, pastor of the church in Kennebunk, visited Farming- 
ton, and the Revs. Levi Frisbie, Wait Cromwell, and Joseph 
Thaxter, labored in the place during portions of the years 



158 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

1792, 1793, and 1794. Mr. Thaxter was an agent of the 
Missionary Society, and went through the region distributing 
Bibles and tracts. The devoted Jotham Sewall, one of the 
fathers of Congregationalism in Maine, settled in the adjoin- 
ing town of Chesterville, in the year 1788, and for the rest 
of his life exercised a paternal care over all the churches in 
this part of the State. The church in Chesterville was 
organized through his instrumentality, in 1796, and with it 
many of the Congregationalists in adjoining towns united. 
Missionaries from abroad continued to visit the township, 
however, and among the most remarkable of these was the 
Rev. Paul Coffin, D. D., of Buxton. Mr. Coffin was a gradu- 
ate of Harvard College, of the class of 1759, and was learned 
in the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew tongues. He was said to 
have been imbued with the Armenian and even Arian views 
prevalent at that time in the established order, but he con- 
tinued in the Congregational church as a faithful and devoted 
minister until his death, in 1821. The journal of Mr. Coffin's 
four missionary tours in Maine, between the years 1796 and 
1800, forms one of the most interesting chapters in the early 
history of the State. He visited Farmington in each of his 
journeys, and the entries in his journal regarding these visits 
are full of interesting particulars and keen observations. The 
good man seemed but poorly endowed with the gift of char- 
ity, and his contempt for the well-meaning though ignorant 
brethren of other denominations, shows on every page. He 
is grieved at the " bad grammar, poor connections, and little 
scripture explained" by some who feel themselves called to 
preach. One missionary tells him " a man may steal five 
hundred dollars one day, and coming out clear into Christian 
light, go on and enjoy the cash." He is even disposed to 
criticise the revivals of his fellow laborers, but it does not 
appear that his brethren ever had any occasion to reciprocate 
his criticism. In spite of his faults of temper, the visits of 
so learned and able a minister to a rough and rude commun- 
ity, were not without their effect. 

Under date of Sept. 19, 1796, Mr. Coffin writes of visit- 
ing Stephen Titcomb's "sweet farm," where he is treated 



CONGREGATION'AL CHURCH. 159 

with brandy and wine of their own produce. " Mr. Tit- 
comb," he says, " is one of those whom Prudence takes in 
her arms and never fails to guide. His house, barns, fences, 
etc., are, as they should be, finished, neat and good. Econ- 
omy and hospitality link hands, and religion is at the head of 
both." Sept. 17, 1797, he writes: "Preached to a very 
large and serious auditory. Squire Abbott and son, from 
Concord, N. H., were here, who are running a number of 
townships on the west of Farmington. He is a pleasant and 
sensible gentleman." Sept. 18, 1800, he says: "Squire 
Belcher called his singers together and gave us an evening 
of sweet music. The two Misses Butler are quite agreeable 
and admirable singers. Lodged with Dr. Stoyell."* This 
was Mr. Coffin's last tour to the Sandy River. 

From 1800 until 18 14, when the church was formed, many 
different Congregational ministers preached to the people, 
nearly all sent out by the Massachusetts Missionary Society. 
The names of many of these are now lost, but among them 
were Rev. Mr. Gould, who visited the region in 1804, and 
Rev. Mr. Marcy who came in 1805. Samuel Sewall, a resi- 
dent of the southwestern part of the town, and a brother-in- 
law of Father Sewall, also frequently preached for the people 
during the early years of the century. In 18 13, Fifield 
Holt, a student of Andover Seminary, preached in Farming- 
ton. He was earnest and devout, and had many popular 
gifts. Until the settlement of a pastor, he exercised a kind 
of pastoral supervision over the interests of the denomina- 
tion. Dec. 14, 1 8 14, the church was organized, with twelve 
members, as follows : 

Thomas Wendell, Abraham Smith, Harrison Allen, Me- 
hitable Titcomb, Martha N. Blake, Prudence Minot, Luther 
Townsend, Dorothy Townsend, Mary Bailey, Mary Case, 
Hannah C. Beale, Susannah Richardson. 

Mr. Holt, who was settled at Bloomfield, frequently 
visited the young church, and various students and mission- 
aries preached. 



* Collections of Maine Hist. Soc., Vol. iv., p. 310, et sc<j. 



l6o HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

In 1 8 14, Hezekiah Hall, a ready speaker, but an eccentric 
man, visited the town. In 181 7, Mr. Elijah Gates, Mr. J. 
Walker, and Mr. Thomas Adams supplied the church four- 
teen weeks. Mr. Adams formed a catechetical class, which he 
reported as "under the direction of a young man deeply in- 
terested in such matters." Mr. Samuel Johnson preached for 
six weeks, in 18 18, and the year following Mr. Wm. P. Ken- 
drick was commissioned to preach fourteen weeks in Farm- 
ington and Temple. A communication was sent to the 
trustees of the Missionary Society, signed by forty persons, 
pledging themselves to pay $200 annually for the support of 
the gospel, and expressing the hope that after a year they 
can support the gospel the whole of the time. During this 
year the Sabbath-school was organized, and has since con- 
tinued a powerful adjunct to the church. In 1820, Mr. 
Elijah Jones preached sixteen weeks in Farmington and 
vicinity. Mr. Eben Newhall, and Rev. Jotham Sewall sup- 
plied the church fourteen weeks, in 1821. Mr. Sewall 
preached in Farmington more or less during his life, in all, 
four hundred and ninety-seven times. 

In 1822, a parish was formed consisting of thirty heads of 
family. Mr. Seneca White was engaged twelve weeks, and 
^300 were raised for the purpose of employing him the whole 
of the succeeding year, but his engagements prevented his 
acceptance. From 1822 to 1825, Mr. Burr, Mr. Wm. L. 
Buffet and Daniel D. Tappan supplied the church for longer 
or shorter periods. The people invited Mr. Tappan to re- 
main with them, but his health forbade his assuming so 
onerous a charge. Mr. Isaac Rogers, a student of Andover 
Seminary, was sent to Farmington and vicinity in 1825, and 
was ordained over the church March 9, 1826. At this time 
the church consisted of upwards of fifty members, and was 
in a prosperous condition. The Missionary Society contin- 
ued to aid the church in meeting its expenses until 1832, 
since which time it has been self-supporting. Mr. Rogers* 
connection with the church thus begun, continued until his 
death, and his life, thus identified with the town for nearly 
fifty years, deserves more than a passing notice. 





^^2-p, 



\^i^£:i—C. / t-ii^J2-'^>^ ^ 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. l6l 

Isaac Rogers, a lineal descendant from John Rogers, the 
martyr of Smithfield, was born in Gloucester, Mass., July 13, 
1795; was graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1822, and at 
Andover Theological Seminary in due course. In connection 
with his coming to Farmington, a classmate tells the follow- 
ing anecdote : The claims of the State of Maine upon the 
consideration of the christian ministry were at one time most 
earnestly presented to the students of the Seminary, by 
the secretary of the Missionary Society. Mr. Rogers arose 
in his place and said to the speaker, " If you have any place 
in Maine so destitute and unattractive that no one else will 
go, send me." So he was sent to Farmington, and came in- 
tending, as he told a friend, to lay his bones among his peo- 
ple. Mr. Rogers gained a strong hold on the hearts of his 
congregation, less as a preacher than as an earnest and faith- 
ful pastor, and a man of thorough Christian character. As a 
citizen he was no less respected than as a minister, and his 
strong love of truth, his excellent good sense, his keen 
knowledge of human nature, combined to render him a con- 
spicuous member of the community so long as he lived. The 
church was especially dear to him. During his pastorate, he 
received several offers to broader fields, and more liberal 
salary, but he preferred to spend his life among the people of 
his first choice. When the infirmities of age settled upon 
him, and it became necessary for him to resign his pulpit, it 
was with a reluctance he could not disguise. After his 
resignation, in 1858, Mr. Rogers continued to preach for 
many years to various feeble churches in the vicinity, but his 
active life closed with his pastorate. His wife. Miss Eliza 
French, of Newburyport, came with him to Farmington, and 
was no less faithful and devoted to the interests of the flock 
than was he. She was a woman of remarkable intelligence, 
of a brilliant intellect, and of great executive ability, as well 
as deep piety. Without children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. 
Rogers were like a father and mother to all the youth of the 
parish, and the love given to them was deep and fervent. 
Mrs. Rogers died, April 27, 1867, and Mr. Rogers survived 
her until Feb. 15, 1872. They rest in the old church-yard, 



l62 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

surrounded by all that is mortal of a generation whom this 
faithful pastor had married, whose children he had baptized, 
and over whom his voice had pronounced the final bene- 
diction. 

At the time of Mr. Rogers' ordination, the only meeting- 
house at the Center Village was the union house afterward 
used for the court-house. For the first five years of his pas- 
torate he preached one-quarter of the time at Wilton, and, 
as the Congregationalists were entitled to the use of the 
meeting-house but a half of the time, worship was also held 
in school-houses and dwelling-houses in various parts of the 
town, chiefly in the Academy building, and the school-house 
erected by Dea. Nathaniel Greene. The present edifice, 
built at a cost of $3,000, was dedicated Nov. 23, 1836. 

In 1846, $800 was appropriated to enlarging the building, 
by an addition of fourteen feet to the west end, and further 
improvements were made in 1879. The organ was purchased 
in 1855, at a cost of $750. The parsonage, a brick cottage, 
was built in 1833, with the share of the ministerial fund 
which fell to the society, and was occupied by Mr. Rogers 
until the death of his wife. It was afterwards sold to Mr. 
S. S. Hersey, who remodeled it at a considerable cost. The 
parish bought it again in 1872, and has since used it as a 
parsonage. 

Mr. Rogers resigned his pastorate Sept. 4, 1858. 

The Rev. John S. C. Abbott acted as a pastor from Nov. 
14, 1858, to April 29, i860. Mr. Rowland B. Howard, a native 
of Leeds, and a graduate of Bowdoin College, in the class of 
1856, and of Bangor Theological Seminary, accepted a call to 
become pastor, and was ordained to the ministry and to the 
pastorate Oct. 11, i860. During his connection with the 
church, a large number were received to the membership, and 
both the temporal and spiritual interests of the church were 
well cared for. 

Having accepted an invitation to Princeton, 111., Mr. 
Howard tendered his resignation July 3, 1870, and was im- 
mediately succeeded by Rev. Geo. N. Marden, a graduate 
of Bangor Theological Seminary. Mr. Marden's supply was 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 1 63 

eminently satisfactory, and accepting a unanimous call, he 
was installed as pastor Oct. 24, 1871. The church prospered 
under his charge, and it was with keen regret that his health 
compelled the dissolution of a relation so pleasant to both 
pastor and people. Mr. Marden's resignation took effect in 
July, 1875, and for nearly a year the church was without a 
settled minister. Mr. Osgood W. Rogers, a graduate of 
Bowdoin College, of the class of 1872, and a student at Ban- 
gor Theological Seminary, supplied the pulpit during the 
spring of 1876, and receiving a call, was ordained as pastor 
June 21, 1876. While he ministered to the people, a large 
number were received into the membership of the church. 
His resignation was read Sept. 15, 1878, and he soon after 
removed to Bridgton. Rev. Albert W. Moore, a graduate 
of Dartmouth College, in the class of 1864, and of Andover 
Seminary, of the class of 1872, supplied the pulpit from 
March, 1879, until Feb. 2, 1881, when he was installed as 
pastor. Mr. Moore was a preacher of marked ability, and 
his ministry was highly acceptable to his people. He ten- 
dered his resignation Sept. 17, 1882, to accept a call to the 
Central Church of Lynn, Mass. The present pastor. Rev. 
Charles H. Pope, a graduate of Bowdoin College, of the 
class of 1862, and of Bangor Theological Seminary, was in- 
stalled June 5, 1883. 

The growth of the church since its foundation has been 
a gradual growth, although it has seen five periods of special 
religious interest, in 1828, 1834, 1843, 1862, and 1876. 

At different times in its history, 611 persons have been 
connected with its membership, which now numbers 218. 
The church has given eight young men to the christian min- 
istry, one of whom became a foreign missionary. 

The deacons of the church have been : Abraham Smith, 
elected in 18 14; Hebron Mayhew, elected in 181 5; Nathan- 
iel Greene, elected in 1828; Thomas Hunter, elected in 
1836; John Titcomb, elected in 1859; Reuben Cutler, elected 
in 1859; Calvin D. Sewall, elected in 1865; Joseph P. 
Thwing, elected in 1883; Abel Russell, elected in 1884; 
Thomas Y. Bixby, elected in 1884. 



1 64 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

As has been stated, the Congregational Church of Ches- 
terville, was organized nearly twenty years before that of 
Farmington, and after the formation of the latter church the 
residents of the lower part of the town continued to worship 
with the Chesterville church. Meetings were frequently 
held at Farmington Falls, in the Union meeting-house, and 
the number of church members residing there so increased 
that in 1859, it was deemed wise to organize a church. Ac- 
cordingly, articles of faith and a covenant were drawn up, 
and March 5, 1859, the church of thirty-three members, 
twenty-three of whom came from the Chesterville church, 
was formed under the name of the First Congregational 
Church of Farmington Falls. Rev. Jonas Burnham, of 
Farmington, was invited to take the pastoral charge. Mr. 
Burnham, though not installed, continued to act as pastor for 
two years. During the next fifteen years, while the church 
maintained for the most of the time its social meetings, the 
preaching was supplied largely by the ministers of neighbor- 
ing churches. Rev. Isaac Rogers also preached for a time, 
quite regularly, and in the summer of 1876, Mr. Schurtz, a 
student of Bangor Seminary, labored in the parish. June 
19, 1877, M. J. I. Jones was ordained over the church, and 
continued pastor for one year. The society having a right 
to worship in the Union meeting-house but a small part of 
the time, movements were set on foot to erect a separate 
house of worship. The lot selected for the purpose was 
admirably chosen, and a very tasteful and convenient meet- 
ing-house was built and dedicated with appropriate cere- 
monies Oct. 9, 1879, Rev. J. E. Adams preaching the dedica- 
tory sermon. With some help from former residents and 
other friends, the building was furnished with a bell and 
organ, as well as all other needful comforts. An arrange- 
ment having been made by which the Congregational church 
at New Sharon united with the church at Farmington Falls, 
in the support of stated worship, Mr. Caleb L. Rotch was 
ordained over both churches Oct. 8, 1879, and continued with 
them until he was dismissed by a council, June 13, 1882. 
Rev. J. L. Hill has supplied both churches since 1883. 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 1 65 

The parish connected with the church was organized, and 
its constitution adopted, Jan. 15, 1880. 

Since its formation, seventy-five members have been con- 
nected with the church, and its present membership is thirty- 
eight. Its deacons have been Scotto Berry and Manson 
Woodman, elected in 1859, and E. C. Vaughan, elected in 
1876. 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

At one time there existed in Farmington a church 
calling itself Christian. Of this body. Judge Parker says : 

"On the 22d day of December, 1822, a number of 
professed Christians in the southwest part of the town, of 
different societies, but principally Free-Will Baptists, met 
and formed an association for their mutual edification as 
Christians, to promote their spirituality, and to adopt meas- 
ures to extend the cause of the Redeemer on the earth — 
without however an intention of forming a distinct or sepa- 
rate church — but from having been impressed with the 
necessity of all the followers of Christ being knit together 
in the spirit of love, as far as their locality would permit, 
without reference to differences of opinion in things which 
they did not consider essential to their fellowship as Chris- 
tians. They proceeded to establish monthly or conference 
meetings which were constantly attended from 1822 to 1832, 
with a few exceptions. They entered into an agreement 
that they would watch over each other, not for their halting, 
but for their furtherance in the divine life — that they would 
take the scriptures for their rule of faith and practice, 
inviting all of every name and denomination, who sincerely 
love God and wish for the promotion of Prince Immanuel, 
to unite with them for the purposes referred to. It was 
further agreed that all such as might unite with them, 
should have the privilege of retaining their standing in 
whatever church they might be attached to, and to help, or 
receive help, from any Christian church or society, but were 
required to attend, as far as consistent, all church or confer- 
ence meetings appointed by the society. They continued to 



1 66 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

have accessions to their numbers from different denomina- 
tions, and some who had not attached themselves to any- 
church, who signed the preceding agreement, so that their 
numbers increased to some sixty or seventy. On the 30th 
of April, 1835, Elder Peter Young, formerly from York, in 
this State, united with this church and became its pastor, 
and was much esteemed. His labors were blessed to the 
edification of the church, and considerable additions were 
made during his ministry, which was continued most of the 
time till his death, being about three years. In April, 1835, 
a number were dismissed for the purpose of forming another 
church in Jay who, with others, were soon after embodied in 
a church of the same order. Mr. Young died at his resi- 
dence in Chesterville, May 24, 1838, when the church was 
left destitute of a pastor. October 13, 1838, Elder Jonathan 
Bradley, of Vienna, was received into the church, and 
assumed the pastoral charge, and preached with the church 
occasionally. He died October 21, 1839. The church 
remained destitute of a pastor till March 23, 1841, when 
Elder Daniel Rogers, from New Hampshire, united with the 
church, took the oversight, and preached with them the 
principal part of the time. Under his labors there was 
some revival, and additions were made to the church. He 
continued his labors about three years, and then returned 
to New Hampshire. He was a man who possessed the 
confidence and esteem of the church, and of most of those 
who knew him." 

After Mr. Rogers left. Elder Henry Frost preached 
occasionally with the church. 

Owing to the death of some members, and the removal 
of others, the chuA:h became extinct many years ago. 

UNITARIAN CHURCH. 

The first Unitarian society in Farmington, was organized 
Feb. 27, 1830, on the petition of the following individuals, 
who constituted the original members, viz. : Nathan Cutler, 
Asa Abbott, Joseph Johnson, William H. Johnson, Argalis 
Pease, E. Gilman Rawson, Henry Stewart, John A. Stoyell, 



UNITARIAN CHURCH. 1 6/ 

Henry Titcomb, Robert W. Tobey, Isaac Tyler, Thomas 
Williams. William H. Johnson was chosen clerk, Isaac 
Tyler, treasurer, and Henry Titcomb, Argalis Pease, and 
Henry Stewart, a standing committee. Soon afterward, 
John Seavey, William Williams, A. H. Stewart, Bailey 
Ames, David Worcester, Alson Lothrop, William A. Dunn, 
Frederic J. Ouincy, and F. V. Stewart, were admitted to the 
society. In 1833 the society fitted up the upper story of 
the Academy for a place of worship, which was. known as 
the chapel, and about the same time Thomas Beede assumed 
the pastoral charge. Mr. Beede was a man of scholarly 
tastes and habits, being a graduate of Harvard College in 
the class of 1799. Previous to coming to Farmington he 
had been settled in Wilton, N. H., for twenty-five years, 
Mr. Beede continued in charge of the church until 1840. 
He died Nov. 30, 1848, aged seventy-seven. His wife, 
Nancy Beede, died Feb. 11, 1844, aged sixty-two. They 
both rest in the old church-yard near the court-house. In 
1836 a church was organized in connection with the society, 
and eight members admitted to fellowship. These were, 
Thomas Beede, Josiah Prescott, Hannah R. Beede, Abigail 
Beede, Elizabeth Moore, Deborah A. Belcher, Ann B. 
Titcomb, and Caroline W. Belcher. After the departure 
of Mr. Beede, the church was destitute of a stated ministry 
for many years. During this time the funds of the society 
received from the sale of the ministerial lands, were allowed 
to accumulate, although a portion of the interest was devoted 
to the distribution of tracts and to the support of occasional 
preaching. 

In 1857, Rev. Thomas Weston, of Plymouth, Mass., was 
invited to the pastorate of the society. He was a devoted 
minister and sincerely respected in the community for his 
character and abilities. During his pastorate, several mem- 
bers were added to the church, and the ordinances main- 
tained. The society, too, was prospered and enlarged. The 
church services were held in the court-house from the time 
of Mr. Weston's coming until the erection of the church. 
Mr. Weston preached his farewell sermon October 25, 1863, 
and removed to Massachusetts, where he now resides. 



1 68 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON: 

During the next''[five years, preaching was had only 
occasionally and no pastor was settled. Some of the most 
eminent preachers in the Unitarian church in Maine sup- 
plied the pulpit during these years. Prominent among 
them were Rev. George Bates, of Auburn, Rev. A. D. 
Wheeler, of Brunswick, Dr. C. C. Everett, of Bangor, now 
professor in the Harvard Divinity School; Dr. Sheldon, of 
Waterville, and Rev. Mr. Nichols, of Saco. 

Rev. Charles A. Hayden, a Divinity student in Rev. Geo. 
H. Hepworth's School for the Ministry, at Boston, preached 
for the society during a portion of 1868. He was a young 
man of unusual talent as a speaker, and drew large congre- 
gations. 

A large number of Universalists, and others whose 
affiliations were with a liberal church, becoming interested 
in this society, a new organization was formed October 10, 

1868, under the name of the Liberal Christian Association, 
which was afterwards incorporated by the legislature. With 
this association, the greater part of the Unitarians and 
Universalists in the Village united. Its first officers were, 
Hannibal Belcher, president ; David H. Chandler, secretary ; 
A. W, F. Belcher, treasurer; D. V. B. Ormsby, John H. 
Allen, and Almas S. Butterfield, prudential committee. In 

1869, Mr. Hayden was settled as pastor of the society, a 
position he held until March, 1872, when he resigned to 
accept a call to Lawrence, Mass. Soon after the settlement 
of Mr. Hayden, movements were begun for the erection of 
a suitable house of worship. A lot was purchased at the 
corner of Court and High Sts., and in 1870 the work 
commenced. The vestry of the building was ready for 
occupancy the latter part of the year, but the church was 
not completed until 1873. The dedication occurred June 
17, 1873, Rev. Mr. Hayden preaching the sermon. In Sep- 
tember, 1 87 1, the State Unitarian Convention met at Farm- 
ington, and was entertained by this society in its partially 
finished church. 

Rev. Timothy H. Eddowes succeeded Mr. Hayden in the 
fall of 1872, remaining until the early part of 1874. In 
March, 1874, Rev. Duane V. Bowen was settled, and con- 



CATHOLIC CHURCH. 1 69 

tinned the pastoral care of the church for more than a year. 
Mr. C. Heizer succeeded Mr. Bowen in 1877, but remained 
only a short time. Since Mr. Heizer's departure, preaching 
has been held occasionally, Rev. Charles A. Allen, of Bruns- 
wick, supplying the pulpit for some months. 

The clerks of the Unitarian Church have been, Wm. H. 
Johnson, 1830- 1833; Alexander H. Stewart, 1833- 1853; 
Samuel Belcher, 1853. 

David H. Chandler has been clerk of the Liberal Chris- 
tian Association since its organization. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The first French Canadian to find a home in Farm- 
ington is believed to have been one Donlevy, who came 
through from Canada not far from 1840. For several years 
his was the only family of Canadian descent in the place. 
In a few years other families joined him, and both men and 
women found good opportunities for work among the citi- 
zens. When the railroad was opened, and a greater demand 
for laborers was felt, the Canadian immigration rapidly 
increased. They all settled in the Village, and the most of 
them in the east part of the Village, where many of them 
erected neat and comfortable houses. The nearest Catholic 
Church, during the early years of their settlement, was at 
Waterville, and thither they were accustomed to go for the 
solemnization of marriages, baptisms, and the other rites of 
their church ; but after the population became considerable, 
the priest occasionally visited these parishioners. In 1870 
the Catholic population had increased to about 100, and Rev. 
Father D. J. Halde was sent from Waterville to hold regular 
monthly services. These services were held in private 
houses until 1873, when a neat and commodious church was 
erected, although not wholly finished inside, on the corner 
of Middle and Quebec Sts. Rev. Father E. Genereux 
succeeded Father Halde, and under his care the church was 
finished in 1884, its total cost being ^3,000. The French 
Canadian population now numbers about 250, with 150 
communicants. 



CHAPTER IX. 

FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 
UNTIL 1850. 

Erection of the County. — First County Officers. — Court-House. — Litigation 
Concerning Court-House. — Other County Buildings. — Distribution of 
Surplus Revenue. — Aroostook War. — Growth of the Town. — Harrison 
Campaign. — Anti-Slavery Society. — Liberty Party. — Washingtonian 
Movement. — Revivals. — Protestant Methodist Movement. — Millerite 
Delusion. — Agricultural Society. — Other Societies. — New Streets Laid 
Out. — Condition of Village in 1S50. 

The question of a new county had been a fruitful theme 
for discussion in Farmington and surrounding towns, from 
the period of the separation of Maine from Massachusetts. 
As early as July 12, 1832, a convention of the citizens of 
various towns in what is now Franklin County, assembled to 
consider the expediency of petitioning the legislature to 
divide the county of Kennebec and erect a new county. Of 
this convention, Theodore Marston, of Phillips, was chosen 
chairman, and Nathan Cutler, secretary. A committee of 
one was appointed in each town represented, to lay the 
matter before their fellow citizens. No particular result 
seems to have followed this meeting, and the movement did 
not assume tangible form until the session of the legislature 
in 1838, when the town was ably represented by Dr. Josiah 
Prescott, who had been elected to the House with reference 
to the formation of a new county, with the 'shire town at 
P'armington. Dr. Prescott brought the question forward 
early in the session, and was ably seconded by Hon. Hiram 



ORGANIZA TION OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 1 7 1 

Belcher, a good lawyer and a man of large legislative 
experience, who held a seat in the Senate. The measure 
encountered strong opposition, especially from many of the 
delegations representing the counties which were to lose 
a part of their territory by establishing a new county ; and 
even the delegation from the proposed county, were not a unit 
upon the question. After long and earnest discussion in the 
legislature, a bill was passed, and approved by the Governor 
March 20, 1838, creating the County of Franklin, provided 
a majority of the legal voters in the towns included in the 
new county were in favor of the measure. The act further 
provided that meetings should be called in the several towns 
on the second Monday of April, 1838, and the votes as cast 
were to be returned to the Secretary of State's office, there 
to be opened and counted by the Governor and Council, and 
if a majority of the votes so cast were in favor of the 
measure, then the Governor was authorized and directed to 
issue his proclamation establishing the new county; the act 
to take effect from the date of the proclamation. The vote 
of the town of Farmington upon the question, was 405 
in the affirmative, and one in the negative. The other 
towns included were, Avon, Berlin, Carthage, Chesterville, 
Freeman, Industry, Jay, Kingfield, Madrid, New Sharon, 
New Vineyard, Phillips, Salem, Strong, Temple, Weld, and 
Wilton. 

Governor Kent issued his proclamation on the loth day 
of May, 1838, consequently the County of Franklin became 
established on that day. The creation of this new county 
necessitated a board of county officers to administer the 
government, and as the law then stood, all offices, except 
register of deeds and county treasurer, were filled by 
appointment by the Executive. Governor Kent was a whig 
of that day, and as the practice then was and now is, he 
filled the various offices with his party friends, viz. : James 
Stanley, Farmington, sheriff; Jesse Huse, Wilton, clerk 
of the Judicial Court; Thomas Parker, Farmington, judge 
of probate ; Holmes A. Boardman, New Sharon, register 
of probate; Moses Sherburne, Phillips, county attorney; 



1/2 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Ezekiel Richardson, Jay, Benjamin Allen, Industry, Eben 
Pillsbury, Kingfield, county commissioners. Ebenezer 
Childs, of Farmington, was appointed county treasurer by 
the county commissioners, and Samuel Baker, of New 
Sharon, was elected register of deeds in September, and 
entered upon his term of office October i6, 1838, the duties 
of the office having before been discharged by Mr. Huse, 
clerk of courts, as provided by law. 

During the pendency of the bill for establishing the 
County of Franklin, certain Farmington individuals had 
pledged themselves to furnish a court-house for ten years 
free from expense to the county. Arrangements were made 
June I, 1839, with the proprietors of the Center Meeting- 
House, by which they voted : — 

That the treasurer of this society be authorized and directed 
to convey to the County of Franklin all the right, title and interest 
which this society has, to that part of the Common lying east of 
the county road, and westerly of the burying-ground fence, together 
with the meeting-house standing on the same, reserving for a 
common and passage way to the burying-ground, a strip of land 
of forty-five feet in width, off of the southerly end thereof, for the 
purpose of site for a court-house for the use of said county, 
provided the same shall be accepted by the county commissioners 
of said county as a full equivalent and discharge of all claims of 
said county on any individuals thereof for furnishing a court-house 
for ten years; the deed of conveyance to reserve to said society 
the use of said meeting-house for town-meetings and meetings of 
worship in the lower story, so long as the same shall remain 
standing, but with liberty to the county to alter, repair or fit up 
the same in a proper manner for holding the courts of said county; 
and also conditioned that said deed to be void wlienever a court- 
house for the use of said county be erected on any other site. 

Under the foregoing vote, John Church, treasurer of the 
proprietors, made and executed a deed of the meeting-house 
and site to the inhabitants of the County of Franklin, upon 
the terms and conditions as recited in the vote. The county 
commissioners, at a session held July 6, 1839, ordered the 



COUNTY BUILDINGS. 173 

acceptance of the property, but upon condition that a 
satisfactory bond should be given, to "indemnify and save 
harmless said inhabitants, their county commissioners, and 
all others acting under their lawful authority, from all 
damage, trouble, or expense arising from defect of title in 
said meeting-house and common, and particularly against 
any actions or suits that may be commenced by persons 
holding or claiming pews in said house, which said suits or 
actions said obligors shall defend." Such a bond was exe- 
cuted on the 26th day of June, 1839, ^^^ signed by the 
eighteen following persons : 

John Titcomb. Fred V. Stewart. 

Robert Goodenow. Thomas Parker. 

Nathan Cutler. Hiram Belcher. 

Joseph Johnson. Enoch C. Belcher. 

Ebenezer Childs. Francis G. Butler. 

Edward Butler. John Kempton, Jr. 

James Stanley. Allen Phillips. 

Zachariah T. Milliken. Samuel Baker. 

Henry Titcomb. Jacob Abbot. 

The county took possession of the above described 
property, and remodeled the upper story of the house into 
a court-room, and it was first occupied by the District Court, 
holding a session there in March, 1840, since which time it 
has been regularly occupied as a court -room. 

A suit was brought by a writ of entry, dated Nov. 
19, 1867, to test the validity of the title to the court-house 
property, by Joseph S. Craig, treasurer of the Center 
Meeting-House in Farmington, against the inhabitants of 
Franklin County, which was tried in Androscoggin County 
in the January term of Supreme Court, 1869, when the case 
was reported to the full Court, which subsequently rendered 
a decision for defendants. During the present year (1884) 
the county has purchased the interest of the proprietors for 
the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars, and thus the 
property now vests in the County of Franklin. The brick 
building which is used for the accommodation of the county 

23 



174 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

officers, and which stands at the southwest corner formed by 
the intersection of Broadway and Main St., was erected in 
1843. The jail was erected the same year, but was enlarged 
and greatly improved in 1855. 

The United States government passed an act, in 1837, 
authorizing the distribution of the surplus revenue then in 
its treasury, amounting to about ^40,000,000, among the 
various States, provided they would stand ready to. refund the 
same on demand. In this distribution, the proportion of 
Maine was $955,838.25, and its legislature, in turn, passed an 
act to deposit this amount with the several towns of the 
State in proportion to their population, upon the conditions 
prescribed by the national government. At a town-meeting 
held April 8, 1837, Farmington voted to accept the share 
which should fall to her, and Hiram Belcher was chosen 
agent to act in receiving the funds. It was further voted 
that the money be kept by the treasurer of the town, under 
the direction of the selectmen, as a loan fund, to be loaned 
at six per cent, to inhabitants of the town for "needful and 
beneficient purposes only," and to be distributed in such a 
way as in the opinion of the selectmen "shall best subserve 
the manifest and comparative wants of the various applicants 
for a share thereof, not exceeding, however, in any case, to 
one individual, more than one hundred dollars." 

The legislature, at its session of 1839, very unwisely 
passed an act authorizing the different towns to distribute 
this fund among the inhabitants per capita. Accordingly, at 
the town-meeting held April 9, 1839, it was voted that such 
a distribution be made according to the census taken March, 
1837. The money at this time, including interest, amounted 
to $5,400, and each inhabitant received $2.iO. Most of the 
towns in the State pursued a similar course, and thus a fund 
which might have proved of great advantage to the people, 
was practically wasted. The fact that Farmington is still 
destitute of a town hall and a town library, suggests ways in 
which this gift might have been profitably used. 

In March, 1839, a small war-cloud was descried in the 
eastern horizon, the outcome of which has been facetiously 



AROOSTOOK WAR. 1/5 

' called the Aroostook War, which, although bloodless, was yet 
attended with many episodes which have been perpetuated 
in song. The northeastern boundary line between the State 
of Maine and the Province of New Brunswick, had been a 
subject of controversy for more than half a century, and the 
attention of Congress had been called to the subject from 
time to time by our presidents, as well as by the legislature 
and governors. The State of Maine was a unit upon the 
question, claiming the boundary as defined by the treaty of 
Paris in 1783, while Great Britain put a construction upon 
the treaty which would give nearly one-third of the State 
to "Her Majesty's government." 

Many acts of Great Britain had been of an irritating and 
insolent character. In June, 1837, Ezra S. Greeley, while 
taking the census of the Madawaska settlement, under the 
direction of the commissioners of Penobscot County, for the 
purpose of distributing the surplus revenue, had been 
arrested by British authority and confined in jail at Fred- 
ericton, charged with "seditious conduct." Mr. Greeley 
was subsequently released, through the intervention of Presi- 
dent Van Buren, and immediately completed the taking of 
the census. In January, 1839, large numbers of men and 
oxen were found trespassing upon the disputed territory, 
under permits granted by the authorities of New Brunswick. 
The legislature was then in session, and these facts having 
been communicated to Governor Fairfield, that functionary 
immediately transmitted the information to the legislature in 
secret session, on January 24th, and that body passed a 
resolve authorizing Rufus Mclntyre, the land agent, and 
Hastings Strickland, sheriff of Penobscot County, to summon 
an armed posse of two hundred and fifty men and proceed 
immediately to Madawaska, to arrest the trespassers and 
secure the timber which had been cut. 

The posse, with their patriotism at boiling point, reached 
the scene of the trespass February 12th, having a brass six- 
pounder in addition to their small arms, and determined to 
vindicate the authority of the State to the soil which had 
been polluted by the foot of the invader. The trespassers 



176 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

had obtained news of the arrival of the force, in the environs 
of their encampment, and immediately retreated down the 
river to await there, further developments. The posse en- 
camped at the mouth of the little Madawaska, and during 
the day the land agent sent the Provincial land agent a re- 
quest to meet him at the house of Mr. Fitzherbert, about 
four miles from the encampment, where he proposed to pass 
the night, there to arrange for a peaceful solution of the 
problem. 

During the night, the trespassers got wind of the where- 
abouts of the land agent and his party, and to the number of 
about fifty, surrounded Fitzherbert's house, capturing Mr. 
Mclntyre with his assistants, Gustavus Cushman and Thomas 
Bartlett, and others. The prisoners were placed upon horse- 
sleds and transported to Woodstock, where warrants were 
issued against them, and they were committed to Frederic- 
ton jail. Sheriff Strickland, finding that matters were as- 
suming a more serious aspect than had been anticipated, 
delegated his authority to Capt. Stover Rines, and started for 
Augusta. By a relay of horses, and sleepless vigilance, he 
reached the Capital on the 14th, and lost no time in com- 
municating with the Governor. 

Capt. Rines, upon assuming command of the expedition 
and fearing an attack from the trespassers, withdrew his 
force to township number ten, where he hastily threw up 
fortifications, mounted his six-pounder upon the ramparts, 
and defied the "blue noses." During his retreat he captured 
a squad of trespassers with a number of yokes of oxen. 
Matters at Augusta were now assuming a war-like aspect, 
with patriotism at a premium. Governor Fairfield listened 
attentively to the revelations of Sheriff Strickland, and at 
once expressed his patriotic indignation, by a special message 
to the legislature then in session. That body at once caught 
the enthusiasm so forcibly set forth in the Governor's mes- 
sage, and on Monday, Feb. 20, 1839, passed a resolve to pro- 
tect the public lands, and appropriated the sum of eight 
hundred thousand dollars, to carry out its provisions. 

George P. Sewall, a representative from Oldtown, while 



AROOSTOOK WAR. 1/7 

the question upon giving the resolve a passage was pending, 
perpetrated the following triplicate : 

Run, Strickland run, 

Fire, Stover fire, 

Were the last words of Mclntyre. 

On the following day, a general order was issued by au- 
thority of the Governor, for a detachment of ten thousand 
three hundred and forty-three officers and men, to be made 
by draft from the several divisions of the militia, and to hold 
themselves in readiness for an immediate call into the service 
of the State. Under this order, the quota assigned to the 
eighth division was one regiment to rendezvous at Skowhe- 
gan, and forty-five men were called for from the three Farm- 
ington companies of infantry, viz.: fifteen from the north 
company, commanded by Capt. Henry Kempton ; fifteen 
from the south company, commanded by Capt. Charles Free- 
man ; and fifteen from the west company, commanded by 
Capt. Alvan Currier. These commandants immediately re- 
sponded to the call, and the requisite number of men were 
drafted. Subsequently, in response to a brigade order, a 
draft of the men was made from each of the foregoing com- 
panies from those already drafted, but no Farmington officer 
or soldier was required to leave his comfortable fireside. 
A draft was also made from Capt. Levi M. Williams' com- 
pany of artillery. All the men thus drafted were ordered to 
hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment's warn- 
ing. The original order, however, was countermanded be- 
fore the troops, or at least a part of them, reached the place 
of rendezvous. There were many episodes connected with 
this draft which were calculated to surround the whole per- 
formance with an air of ridicule. Some of the drafted men 
were suddenly taken ill, and a physician summoned, while 
others found it necessary to make hasty visits to friends in 
other States. 

The settlement of the vexatious controversy concerning 
the northeastern boundary was finally made, by the treaty 
negotiated by Daniel Webster and Lord Ashburton, in 1842. 



1 78 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Of this treaty it may be truthfully said : The people of 
Maine, sensitive upon the question of her territorial rights, 
felt aggrieved, and regarded a portion of her territory as 
wrongfully ceded to Great Britain. 

In spite of the rumors of war, and the general financial 
depression which was more or less felt by the people, the 
year 1840 found Farmington in a prosperous condition. The 
number of inhabitants had increased from 2341 in 1830, to 
2613, and the total valuation of the town was returned as 
^462,375. The growth of the village was marked. Several 
important buildings were erected, the principal of which 
were the Baptist and Free-Will Baptist meeting-houses, both 
built in 1835, and the Congregational meeting-house, built in 
1836. A number of residences were also built. At that 
time the only streets were Main, Pleasant, Perham, and 
Anson Sts., and nearly all the business was done on the 
Main street. The ten years succeeding 1840, witnessed many 
important movements, and this period was doubtless the 
most stirring in the history of the town. It opened with the 
famous Harrison campaign, which was carried on with all the 
excitement and ludicrous incidents which distinguished this 
campaign in our national history. The temperance and anti- 
slavery agitations occupied important places in public atten- 
tion, and during the decade gained vast strength among the 
people. The discussion of railroad projects also came for- 
ward as an absorbing topic of interest, and all these various 
enterprises served to draw the people from the ruts in which 
they had been moving. Various religious movements were 
also organized, new sects were formed, and a general awaken- 
ing in moral, philanthrophic and political subjects was 
experienced. 

An anti-slavery organization, known as the Franklin 
County Anti-Slavery Society, was formed in 1837, and several 
citizens of Farmington were deeply interested in it. The sub- 
ject was as unpopular, however, among the masses of the 
people, as it everywhere was in the early days of its agitation. 
But its supporters possessed the same earnestness and moral 
firmness which distinguished the more famous leaders in the 



WASHINGTONIAN MOVEMENT. 1 79 

cause. It does not appear that any attempt was made to 
introduce the anti-slavery element into politics until 1841. 
A ticket was then placed in the field which received a mea- 
gre support. July 19, 1842, the annual meeting of the 
Franklin County Anti-Slavery Society was held at the Con- 
gregational church in Farmington. A series of ten resolu- 
tions was introduced which, while somewhat verbose and 
exaggerated, yet set forth clearly the fundamental principles 
of the anti-slavery faith. At this meeting the officers chosen 
were Charles Morse of Wilton, president; Joseph Dyer, Jr, 
of Phillips, Ebenezer Childs, of Farmington, and Samuel 
Wyman, of New Sharon, vice-presidents ; John Titcomb, of 
Farmington, secretary ; Thomas Croswell, of Farmington, 
treasurer; Ebenezer Childs, Dexter Waterman, Joshua Bul- 
len, Jacob Ames, and Daniel Stickney, executive committee. 
They also put in nomination as the ticket of the Liberty 
party the following county officers : For senator, Charles 
Morse ; county commissioners, Joseph Dyer, Jr., Ebenezer 
G. Trask, and Hebron Mayhew ; county treasurer, Ebenezer 
Childs; clerk of courts, John Titcomb; county attorney, 
Elnathan Pope. This party polled thirty-five votes in Farm- 
ington at the September election, and double that number 
the following year. 

In the meantime the temperance cause was rapidly gain- 
ing ground. As we have seen, the moral temperance society 
had secured the co-operation of a large number of the most 
influential citizens in the town ; but a larger class of persons 
was not reached by it. About 1840, a new and somewhat 
novel temperance movement was started, known as the 
Washingtonian Society. A peculiar feature of this organiza- 
tion in its beginning, was that its membership embraced only 
those who had heretofore resisted temperance work or had 
been of intemperate habits. This class of men, after their 
conversion, apparently took great pride in narrating in detail 
the scenes through which they had passed while under the 
influence of the intoxicating draught, and seemed to vie with 
one another in reciting what was most ridiculous and revolt- 
ing in their careers. The society was for a time very popu- 



l8o HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

lar and successful in winning converts to its standard, and in 
the later years of its history was by no means confined to the 
formerly intemperate. 

One society, or more, was formed in every town in Frank- 
lin County, and through their influence, much was done to 
stay the ravages of intemperance. 

A Washingtonian county convention was held at the 
court-house in Farmington, Feb. 22, 1842, Col. James Rus- 
sell of Temple, in the chair, and Samuel Baker of Farming- 
ton, secretary. Twenty-five different societies, with a total 
membership of 1386, were represented, the three Farming- 
ton societies claiming 340 of this number. Robert Goode- 
now, John L. Cutler, of Farmington, Sewall Cram, of 
Wilton, and John Trask, of New Sharon, addressed the 
enthusiastic assembly. These temperance organizations 
exerted great effect upon public opinion, and the practice of 
selling liquor as a beverage became discountenanced. The 
town voted in March, 1843, to allow only two persons, of 
good moral character, to sell intoxicating liquors, and then 
only for medicinal, mechanical, or chemical purposes. Three 
years later, the first State prohibitory law was passed, which 
removed the question of licensing from local politics. 

The spring of 1843, was a season of great religious excite- 
ment. Two simultaneous movements in the Methodist 
church occurred at this time. The Protestant Methodist 
secession, while but a revolt against the mode of government 
in the Methodist Episcopal church, yet assumed in Farming- 
ton the form of a great religious awakening. Meetings were 
first held in the upper part of the town, but the excitement 
soon spread to the Center Village, where meetings were held_ 
in the court-house nearly every day during the months of 
March, April, and May. Rev. John McLeish, a speaker of 
great eloquence and power, preached to large and deeply in- 
terested audiences during a part of the time, and also Rev. 
John Norris, of Boston. At the same time, a society of 
Wesleyan Methodists, whose corner stone was opposition to 
African slavery, was organized in the vicinity of the Brick 
church near Fairbanks' bridge. The same year, great reviv- 



AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. l8l 

als were experienced in the other churches of the town. 
But the great rehgious excitement of 1843, was the so-called 
Millerite craze which extended over a large part of the 
United States. The central doctrine of this sect was the 
immediate second coming of the Messiah, the proof of which 
was found in an ingenious interpretation of the Prophesies. 
John Preble, one of the foremost disciples of William Mil- 
ler, the founder of the sect, visited Farmington in March, 
and addressed the people on the approaching end of things 
created. The time set by Miller himself, for the end of the 
world, was sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 
1844, but various of his followers ventured to be more 
definite, and appointed the day and the hour of doom. 
Meetings were held in various parts of the town, and were 
attended by crowds of curious or interested listeners. A 
strong and intelligent opposition was made by the press and 
clergy of the town to the delusion. Rev. J. S. Swift, editor 
of the Franklin Register, delivered lectures and published 
articles against the views of Preble, and was thus influential 
in warning the people against a fanaticism which in many 
places was so disastrous. It does not appear that many, if 
any converts, were made to the peculiar doctrines of Miller, 
although a few Christians of various denominations an- 
nounced their belief in the Second Advent, and clung to the 
doctrine through life. 

The legislature of 1840, granted a charter to the Franklin 
County Agricultural Society. The first meeting for organiza- 
tion was held at the court-house, May 26, 1840, when a code 
of by-laws was adopted and an adjournment made until June 
loth, when a permanent organization was effected. This 
society received hearty support, not only from the farmers 
throughout the county, but from all citizens interested in the 
subject of agriculture. Throughout its history it has proved 
of great value in arousing an interest in agricultural matters, 
and stimulating a competition among the farmers. The 
officers first elected were : Elnathan Pope, president ; Elisha 
Keyes, vice-president ; Isaac Tyler, recording secretary ; 
Nathan Cutler, corresponding secretary; Joseph Titcomb, 

24 



1 82 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

treasurer; Adam Mott, collector; Josiah Prescott, Samuel 
S. Ward, John Morrison, Cyrus Pierce, and Eben Pillsbury, 
trustees. Various committees were also appointed. The 
first cattle show and fair, under the auspices of this society, 
was held at the Center Village, October 9th and loth, in 
which the farmers of the county generally participated. The 
address was delivered by Dr. James Bates, of Norridgewock. 
Similar shows and fairs have been held by the society every 
year since its organization. 

A mechanics' association was formed in 1841. This asso- 
ciation assumed the form of a lyceum, and held weekly meet- 
ings for the discussion of questions of the day. It continued 
in successful operation for several years, and proved a useful 
organization to the young men of the village. A teachers' 
association was also formed in 1842, principally through the 
influence of Mr. Jacob Abbott, which prospered for a time. 
The year following, the Franklin County Musical Society 
was formed, with William Reed of Strong, as president, and 
Ezekiel Lancaster of New Sharon, vice-president. All of 
these various organizations were instrumental in cultivating 
the intellectual character of the young people, as well as 
giving them social enjoyment. 

The population of the town increased but slowly from 
1840 to 1850, the census of the latter year showing 2725 
inhabitants. The valuation, as shown by the town books, 
was ^588,820. The village, however, grew perhaps more 
rapidly than at any time in its history. Academy St. and 
High St., from Perham St. to its junction with Academy St., 
were located in March, 1842, through Hon. Nathan Cutler's 
land, and several houses were soon erected upon these 
streets. South St. and a portion of High St. north from 
South St., were laid out in 1848, and this part of High St. 
was extended to Academy St. the following year. Numerous 
dwellings were erected on these and other streets, so that in 
1850 the number of houses in the village was about one 
hundred ; the number of stores was about fifteen, including 
two grocery stores, three millinery establishments, two tailor 
shops, one apothecary, one boot and shoe, and one hardware 



NEWSPAPER. 183 

Store, besides several grocery and dry goods stores. There 
were also eighteen mechanic shops, including four black- 
smiths, four cabinet makers, three saddle and harness mak- 
ers, two workers in tin, one carriage maker, one tanner, and 
one printer. Seven lawyers were ready to settle disputes, 
three physicians, to heal diseases ; a dentist also followed his 
profession, and an artist was prepared to take daguerreotypes. 
Four churches sustained stated worship in houses dedicated 
to this purpose. One newspaper was published. The Fra^ik- 
liii Register was established in 1840, by Rev. J. S. Swift. 
The first number was issued January 31st of that year, from 
his press, situated in a building on Pleasant St. at the foot of 
Broadway, now used as a dwelling. This paper was very 
creditable to both printer and editor, and while devoting less 
attention to current affairs than is now the custom of local 
papers, was yet filled with valuable matter. It was succeeded 
by the Chronicle, in 1845, which was conducted by the same 
proprietor. Mr. Swift also edited and published, during a 
part of 1847, a monthly religious journal, called the Baptist 
Expositor. 



CHAPTER X. 

RAILROADS. 

First Mail. — Stage Line to Hallowell. — Railroad Meeting in 1845. — 
Railroad Meeting in 1847. — Survey Made. — Franklin and Kennebec 
Railroad Incorporated. — Organization of Franklin and Kennebec Rail- 
road. — Survey for the Road. — Railroad Meeting at Mercer. — Survey 
of a Railroad Through Chesterville. — Negotiations with the Andro- 
scoggin Railroad. — Completion of Road to West Farmington. — 
Extension of Androscoggin Railroad to Center Village. — Agitation 
Concerning a Railroad to Phillips. — Organization of Sandy River 
Railroad Company. — Completion of the Road. — Franklin and Megantic 
Railroad. 

For the first twelve years after the settlement of the 
town, the inhabitants had no regular communication with 
the outside world. Everyone owned horses or oxen, or 
could obtain their loan from a friendly neighbor, and when 
a journey was necessary, all found their own conveyances. 
Regular mails at that time were by no means the necessity 
in civilized life that they have now become. But two or 
three daily newspapers were published in the country, and 
no weekly paper was established nearer than Portland; 
nor did the business of the people require constant com- 
munication with cities and other towns. According to 
Judge Parker's History, a man by the name of Willis was 
accustomed to come through from Hallowell, and bring 
newspapers, etc., for some time before the first mail was 
established. About 1793, a mail-route was opened between 
Farmington and Hallowell, and the mails carried weekly 



RAILROADS. 1 85 

on horseback, by Zaccheiis Mayhew. The post-office was 
located on the west side of the river, and Moses Starlins:, 
who kept a tavern at that time, was appointed post-master. 

As early as 1808, Nathan Backus, who was an innholder, 
at the Center Village, began running a four-horse stage -line 
to Hallowell. The stage left every Monday and Friday, 
and returned Tuesday and Saturday, and, connecting with 
the packets at Hallowell, gave good facilities for communica- 
tion with Boston, which was then the farthest Mecca of 
this rural people. The line passed from Mr. Backus' hands 
about 181 5. Between that time and 1837, various con- 
tractors controlled the route. Joseph D. Prescott drove 
the stage for a time previous to 18 19, probably as the employe 
of Dr. Josiah Prescott. Moses Hanscom was the contractor, 
probably from 1825 to 1829; Argalis Pease, probably from 
1829 until 1833, and Ephraim Hart well probably from 1833 
to 1837. During these years, various styles of conveyances 
were put upon the route. Passengers were accommodated 
in coaches, or in wagons, or in " shays," and trips continued 
to be made but twice a week. Hartwell sold to F. V. 
Stewart in 1837, and the increase of business soon demanded 
better conveyances. In 1841, four-horse post-coaches were 
put upon the line, which ran three times a week to Hallowell, 
and continued to Phillips with two-horse coaches. This 
route soon became one of the best managed in the State. 
Another mail-route was established about 1830 to Minot, 
where it connected with Augusta stages direct for Portland 
and Boston. Mr. Stewart also owned this line from 1834 to 
1838, when it was sold to Thomas Beede. Upon the exten- 
sion of the railroad to Livermore, in 185 i, daily stages were 
run to connect with the cars, and continued so to run until 
the completion of the road to Farmington in 1859. After 
the opening of the railroad, the line of stages to Hallowell 
and Augusta became of comparatively little importance. Mr. 
Stewart disposed of it in 1862, and the line was discontinued 
about 1878. A mail line still runs a stage from Farmington 
Falls to Hallowell, on boat days, but its patronage is for the 
most part local. 



1 86 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Although the stage-line between Farmington and Hal- 
lowell was among the best and best managed in the State, 
the citizens were eager to obtain the advantages of a 
railroad as soon as the agitation concerning the building 
of railroads began in other parts of the State. 

At the time that the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad 
Company, as the Grand Trunk was then called, were 
discussing measures to construct a road from the city of 
Portland to the city of Quebec, and the route between the 
two cities lay undetermined, many prominent citizens of 
Franklin County believed that a direct and feasible route 
could be found by the way of Farmington, thence northerly, 
leaving the valley of the Carrabasset stream in Jerusalem 
Plantation, and thence to Quebec. Pursuant to notice, the 
citizens of the county met at the court-house in Farmington, 
on the first day of April, 1845, and organized by choosing 
Joseph Johnson president, and Joshua B. Lowell, of Chester- 
ville, secretary. Josiah Perham, Jr., of Wilton, Josiah Pres- 
cott and John L. Cutler, of Farmington, William Morgridge, 
of Chesterville, and Benjamin F. Eastman, of Phillips, were 
chosen a committee to correspond with the directors of the 
road. At a subsequent meeting, held on the thirty-first of 
March, 1846, to hear the report of this committee, it was 
voted to divide the proposed route, extending from Lewiston 
to the Forks of the Kennebec River, into four sections, and 
appoint committees to personally explore each section. The 
committee for the first section was Barron Randall, Dimon 
Fernald, and Joseph Covell ; for the second section, William 
Morgridge, Joseph D. Prescott, Francis Knowlton, and Joseph 
Keith ; for the third section, Josiah Prescott, Philip M. 
Stubbs, Moses Sherburne, Theodore Marston, and Benjamin 
B. Mace ; and for the fourth section, Eliphalet D. Bray, 
Rufus K. J. Porter, Solomon Luce, and William Titcomb; 
who were expected to report to the directors of the Atlantic 
and St. Lawrence Railroad Company ; but all subsequent 
efforts to bring this road into the County of Franklin, were 
given up, as it was soon ascertained that it would be located 
through the State of New Hampshire. 



RAILROADS. 1 87 

Notwithstanding the disappointment felt at the abandon- 
ment of this project, the subject of railroads still continued 
a fruitful topic of discussion, and animated meetings were 
held in different parts of the county. Charters had already 
been granted to the Portland, Saco and Portsmouth, the 
Atlantic and St. Lawrence, the Kennebec and Portland, and 
Androscoggin and Kennebec companies, a portion of these 
roads having been completed, while others were under 
contract to be finished at an early day. The people of 
Farmington caught the enthusiasm and began to discuss 
the question of building a line of railway from the Center 
Village to the tide-waters of the Kennebec river. On 
Wednesday, the twentieth of January, 1847, a large and 
enthusiastic meeting was held at the court-house, F. G. 
Butler in the chair, and J. D. Prescott secretary. Large 
delegations were present from Portland, Winthrop, Augusta, 
Waterville, Bangor, and from many towns in Oxford and 
Somerset counties. The meeting continued until late in the 
evening, and was ably addressed by Prof. Champlin of Water- 
ville, Gen. Moore of Bangor, Phineas Barnes of Portland, 
S. P. Benson of Winthrop, J. W. Bradbury and W. A. Drew 
of Augusta, Samuel Taylor of Fairfield, and John Simmons 
of Canton. The speakers held different views upon the 
question of what was for the best interests of Franklin 
County in regard to a line of railway — one advocating the 
importance of striking tide-waters at the nearest point, 
another the advantage of intersecting the Androscoggin and 
Kennebec, and still another the benefit of a union with the 
Atlantic and St. Lawrence at some convenient junction. 
Spirited resolutions were reported and adopted, and the 
meeting adjourned to March 30, 1847. 

In July, 1847, at an informal meeting held in the court- 
house, John L. Cutler and Francis G. Butler were designated 
a committee and instructed to wait upon the legislature, then 
in session, and procure a charter for a line of railway from 
Farmington to Kennebec River. This committee, upon 
gaining a hearing before the committee on railroads, were 
told that it was an invariable rule to require a preliminary 



1 88 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

survey of the proposed route, before hearing the prayer of 
any petition. The Farmington gentlemen were nonplussed 
at this announcement, not being prepared to meet so formi- 
dable an obstacle so near the close of the session ; but 
George S. Green of Boston, an eminent engineer, happened 
to be in Augusta at this time, and his counsel was imme- 
diately sought. He agreed to make such a preliminary 
survey in two days as would satisfy the committee on 
railroads, and his services were at once secured. He started 
from Augusta, taking what was then called the eastern 
route, through the towns of Sydney, Belgrade, Rome, 
Mercer, and New Sharon, to Farmington, and returned by 
the western route, through Vienna, Mt. Vernon, and Read- 
field, to Augusta. Mr. Green made his report, and, after an 
extended hearing, the committee on railroads granted the 
petitioners leave to bring in a bill incorporating the Frank- 
lin and Kennebec Railroad Company, which passed both 
branches of the legislature, and was approved July 30, 1847. 
The passage of the bill was violently opposed by the friends 
and parties interested in the Androscoggin and Kennebec 
road, for they had previously obtained a charter and put 
portions of their road under contract to build. 

A meeting of the corporators of the Franklin and Ken- 
nebec Railroad Company convened at Farmington, on the 
fifth day of October, 1847, with Dr. Dexter Baldwin, of Mt. 
Vernon, in the chair. Hon. Nathan Cutler was elected 
president of the corporation, and Francis G. Butler, treas- 
urer. John L. Cutler, Joseph Johnson, William Cothren, 
Dexter Baldwin, William Morgridge, Edward Swan, Samuel 
Daggett, William A. Drew, and Samuel K. Gilman, were 
chosen an executive committee, and were instructed to em- 
ploy a skillful and competent engineer to survey the route 
designated in the charter. 

Gen. F. W. Lander* of Salem, Mass., as chief engineer, 
was engaged to locate the best line for a railway between the 
towns of Augusta and Farmington. He commenced at 



* He died in battle during tlie war of the Rebellion. 



RAILROADS. 1 89 

Augusta, thence through the towns of Sydney, Belgrade, 
Rome, Mercer, and New Sharon, to Perham St. in Farming- 
ton, making the distance thirty-seven miles. Gen. Lander's 
bill for survey, including wages to assistants, and all ex- 
penses amounted to $1,167.91, and was paid by a few indi- 
viduals, mostly Farmington men. Subscriptions to the stock 
of the road were opened, and the citizens of the town sub- 
scribed about $40,000. But this enterprise was superseded by 
the Androscoggin road, whose charter authorized it to start 
from Leeds, on the "upper route," with Farmington as its 
objective point. 

Among the many railroad meetings held about this time 
in the various towns, perhaps none is more worthy of note 
than the one held at Mercer, on the i8th of February, 1848. 
The town of Mercer was in expectation of being the point 
where the arms of the Franklin and Kennebec road were to 
branch, one to the upper Kennebec, and the other to P'arm- 
ington, consequently great efforts were put forth to have 
large and interesting meetings. 

The people of Farmington were desirous of making as 
much of a display as possible on the occasion, and left the 
village in a procession preceded by a mock steam boiler 
mounted upon a horse-sled. This machine had been ar- 
ranged by "Joe" Warner, a gentleman of African descent, 
who had displayed it in the streets of the Village before 
taking his position at the head of the procession. It was 
particularly noticeable for the immense volumes of black 
smoke which issued from its smoke-stack on the journey. 
Upon entering the town of Mercer, the procession was 
greeted with the joyful acclamations of the populace, amidst 
the ringing of bells, beating of drums, and discharge of 
musketry. There was a large and enthusiastic attendance, 
and the mass-meeting was addressed by various speakers, 
among whom were : David Bronson and W. A. Drew of Au- 
gusta; Daniel Howes and Edwin E. Dyer of New Sharon; 
J. L. Cutler, F. G. Butler, and Hannibal Belcher, of Farm- 
ington. The good people of this quiet hamlet were very 
hospitable and opened their doors wide, bidding the multi- 
tude "eat, drink, and be merry." 

25 



1 90 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

The following song was composed and sung by Mr. G. W. 
Chase, on this occasion : 

"A song I'll sing in jingling rhyme, 
And beat it out in railroad time ; 
The words perchance will make you pucker, 
But the tune is good, 'tis Old Dan Tucker. 
So clear the track both wit and sage, 
For railroads now are all the rage. 

The Yankee boys so fast do grow, 

That stages now are all too slow ; 

The teams are good and shine like stars, 

But they 're much too slow for the railroad cars ; 

Then get out of the way with your snail-like stages. 

They 're only fit for the darker ages. 

The Pine State boys are not behind, 
The rest of all the Yankee kind ; 
They 're right on hand with wills so strong. 
They soon will bring the cars along ; 
Then clear the way for a railway station, 
Yankee boys beat all creation. 

New Sharon's sons are stout and steady, 
Their banner tells us they are ready; 
They 've a spade and pick-axe and a sledge. 
That they are true these mottoes pledge ; 
Then clear the track for railway travel, 
Sharon's boys can shovel gravel. 

Mercer is with you, hand and heart. 

Her banner says she '11 do her part ; 

Her sturdy sons are up and drest. 

They '11 work on the route they think the best. 

Then cheerily on, no lazy shirkers, 

Mercer boys are railroad workers. 

The old Kennebec is right on hand, 
With a six-horse team and a fine brass-band. 
They shout and tell us as they come, 
Hurrah ! the work goes bravely on, 
Then clear the track, all are singing. 
And the engine bell is ringing. 

Skowhegan must to her interest 'wake. 
For the Anson road is sure to take. 
Her road must unto Mercer come, 
And then both stocks can blend in one; 
So clear the way with shout and song, 
For the Anson cars will soon be along. 



RAILROADS. 191 

Madison, Rome, and Norridgewock, 
Must all take shares in the railroad stock, 
While Belgrade, Starks, and Farmington, 
Will rally strong till the work is done; 
Wood up the fire — keep it flashing, 
We soon shall see the rail-cars dashing. 

Let all true friends in the Pine Tree nation 
Haste to the Franklin and Kennebec station ; 
Quick into the cars get seated. 
All is ready and completed. 
Put on the steam, all are crying. 
And the railroad flags are flying." 

A survey was made for a line of railway from Farming- 
ton Falls through Chesterville to a point near Livermore 
Falls, to which the Androscoggin road had previously sur- 
veyed its line, by W. A. Williams, an experienced engineer. 
In a report dated at Lewiston, May 26, 1847, he made the 
length of the line eighteen and three-fourths miles, and esti- 
mated the cost of building at ^15,410.06 per mile. This 
project did not enlist the favor of capitalists so far as to 
warrant the undertaking. 

A railroad convention was held at the court-house, Jan. i, 
185 1, at which Francis G. Butler was called to the chair, and 
Alanson B. Farwell acted as secretary. The convention was 
ably addressed by Rev. Isaac Rogers, F. V. Stewart, and D. 
C. Morrill, of Farmington ; Sewall Cram, and J. G. Hoyt, of 
Wilton ; P. M. Stubbs, of Strong, and Ensign Otis of Leeds. 
The committee appointed to negotiate with the directors of 
the Androscoggin road for the extension of their line to 
Farmington Center Village, consisted of the following gen- 
tlemen : Samuel Belcher, Leander Boardman, Philip M. 
Stubbs, Harrison Storer, John Rowell, John E. Baxter, and 
David Mitchell. 

At this time the Androscoggin Company was putting 
portions of its road under contract to build, and it dragged 
its slow length along under many financial embarrassments 
until June 20, 1859, when the first train of cars arrived at 
West Farmington. The citizens of the Center Village hav- 
ing contributed liberally to aid in building the road to West 



192 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Farmington, with the expectation that the Androscoggin 
Company would extend it to the Center Village, naturally 
felt aggrieved that the terminus should remain at West 
Farmington. Accordingly, in the autumn of 1869, at a 
meeting of the Farmington Village Corporation, called for 
the purpose, it was voted to raise a committee to negotiate 
with the Androscoggin Railroad Company in regard to ex- 
tending the road across the Sandy River, a distance of 4200 
feet ; and also to petition the legislature for an act authoriz- 
ing the Village Corporation to raise money in aid of this 
project. The committee designated for this purpose were: 
Francis G. Butler, Samuel Belcher, and Hannibal Belcher, 
and they entered into successful negotiation with the direc- 
tors of the Railroad Company to extend the road as above 
described, and to run and maintain the same for a period of 
ninety-nine years, for the sum of $15,000. They were also 
to build a passenger and freight depot at a cost of not less 
than ;^ 1 0,000, the Village Corporation to pay the land dam- 
ages, amounting to about $5,000. The committee procured 
from the legislature, an act approved Feb. i, 1870, by which 
the assessors and treasurer of the Village Corporation, upon 
being authorized to do so by a vote of two-thirds of legal 
voters present and voting at a legal meeting, might issue 
the scrip or bonds of the corporation to such an amount, 
not exceeding thirty-five thousand dollars, as the Corporation 
might determine. At a meeting of the Farmington Village 
Corporation, convened at the court-house, Feb. 25, 1870, it 
was voted, one hundred and forty-six to one to authorize and 
empower the assessors and treasurer to issue bonds for 
$20,000, and also to instruct the committee to accept the 
proposition of the directors of the Androscoggin Railroad 
Company. 

The committee, in pursuance of the vote passed at this 
meeting, closed the contract on the 15 th of April, 1870. 
The Company at once broke ground at West Farmington, 
and the road was opened for public travel Sept. 15, 1870, 
when the first train of cars arrived at the Center Village. 

The assessors and treasurer of the Farmington Village 



RAILROADS. 1 93 

Corporation, in pursuance of the vote aforesaid, issued the 
bonds of the corporation for ^20,000, payable as follows : 
$5,000 July I, 1885; $5,000 July I, 1890; $5,000 July i, 
1895; $5,000 July I, 1900; with semi-annual interest on the 
whole, from July i, 1870. The Corporation paid the interest 
on the loan for a time, and then defaulted. Some of the 
holders of over-due coupons sold and transferred them to 
Eben F. Pillsbury, of Boston, who commenced suit in the 
United States District Court at Portland, and judgment was 
rendered for plaintiff in May, 1881. The defendants appealed 
to the Supreme Court at Washington, where the case is now 
pending. 

The people of the northern part of the county were almost 
equally interested with the people of Farmington, in all the 
early efforts made to secure railroad facilities. The people 
of Strong and Phillips, especially, gave hearty co-operation 
in the building of the Androscoggin road. The town of 
Phillips is to North Franklin what Farmington is to the 
southern part of the county, the natural center of trade, 
and of all those industries which tend to build up substantial 
wealth in a community. A natural desire was therefore felt 
by its citizens to enjoy the benefits and conveniences of rail- 
road communication. The desire was especially manifest 
after the completion of the railroad to the Center Village at 
Farmington, and the question of a road to Phillips began to 
be discussed in earnest. The difificulties of building a road 
were felt to be very great. The grade is heavy between 
Farmington and Phillips, and many bridges must be built. 

The whole region through which the road must pass, is 
mountainous, with deep gorges and many ravines. Fortu- 
nately, at the time of the discussion concerning the road, 
Phillips counted among its citizens some of the largest capi- 
talists in the county, who were also men of enterprise and 
energy. In 1878, the discussion assumed a tangible form. 
An unusual opportunity was presented to purchase the 
property belonging to a bankrupt railroad between the towns 
of Bedford and Billerica in Massachusetts. This road was 
built upon a gauge of two feet, and seemed in every way 



194 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

well suited to the purposes of the projected railway. The 
sentiment of the people of Strong and Phillips, as well as of 
the back towns, was found to be favorable to the enterprise. 
A temporary organization was effected for the purpose of 
securing subscriptions to the stock, and up to March 24, 
1879, i^6o,ooo had been subscribed, including ^14,000 voted 
by the town of Phillips, and ^9,000 voted by the town of 
Strong. The company was permanently organized at Phillips, 
April 8, 1879, under the name of the Sandy River Railroad 
Company, and the officers elected as follows : President, 
Abner Toothaker; directors, Abner Toothaker, Nathaniel B. 
Beal, William F. Fuller, A. L. Brown, Philip H. Stubbs, 
Stephen Morrill, Samuel Farmer. The books were then 
formally opened for subscriptions, and arrangements made 
for building the road. A contract was subsequently made 
with P. and R. Shanahan, of Portland, to build the road bed, 
and ground was broken at Farmington, the 5th of June fol- 
lowing. These contractors failing to perform the whole 
work, the northern section of the road, from Strong trestle 
to Phillips, was let to P. Maney, of Lewiston. These con- 
tractors finished the work within the time specified, but in 
a manner so unsatisfactory that some litigation ensued. 
Trouble was also experienced in purchasing the Bedford 
road. Objections were made by parties interested, to remov- 
ing the rails, and only a portion of them were ever received. 
The rolling stock, however, was delivered. 

The building of the road was done under the supervision 
of Mr. Geo. E. Mansfield, a very competent engineer and 
architect, who had had some experience in the construction 
of narrow gauge railroads. Its original cost was about 
^120,000. The town of Rangeley voted $1500, and Madrid 
^1200 in aid of the enterprise, and bonds were issued to the 
amount of $50,000 to supplement the amounts subscribed in 
stock. The first train of cars ran from Farmington to Phil- 
lips, Nov. 20, 1879, and was received with every demonstra- 
tion of joy. The road has proved successful beyond the 
hopes of its warmest supporters. 

The interest on its bonds has been promptly paid, and it 



RAILROADS. 1 95 

has demonstrated beyond a doubt the practicability of op- 
erating roads of very narrow gauge. At the time this road 
was built, only one other road was in existence of so narrow 
a gauge, and that in the mountains of Wales. It has also 
secured a large share of the summer travel to the fishing- 
grounds of the Rangeley Lakes. 

In 1883 and 1884, considerable discussion was had and 
several meetings held regarding the building of a narrow 
gauge railroad to Kingfield. Two routes were proposed. 
One route was to leave the Center Village at Farmington, 
run through New Vineyard, West New Portland, and 'thence 
to Kingfield. The other route proposed was to leave the 
Sandy River Railroad at Strong Village, and thence pass 
through Freeman, Salem, and thence to Kingfield. Although 
many citizens advocated the first route as being more advan- 
tageous to the interests of Farmington, the second was 
obviously the more desirable, all things considered, and was 
finally adopted. 

The Franklin and Megantic Railroad was organized in 
1884, and the building of the road put under contract. It 
was completed the latter part of the year, the first train 
arriving at Kingfield Dec. 3, 1884. 



CHAPTER XI. 

A RECORD FROM 1850 UNTIL i860. 

Increase in Population. — Growth of the Village. — Fire of 1850. — Village 
Charter Obtained. — Sandy River Bank Chartered. — Misfortunes of the 
Bank. — List of Officers. — Freshet of 1855. — Riverside Cemetery 
Opened. — Franklin Patriot Established. — Bear Killed. — Fire of 1859. 

— New Village Charter Obtained. — Fire-Engine Purchased. — Engine 
House Built. — Village Supervisors. — Appearance of the Small-Pox. 

— Condition of the Town in iS6o. 

The increase in the population of the town from 1820 
to the present time, has been largely confined to the Center 
Village. Every farm was taken up as early as 18 10, and 
though some of these farms have been divided, the larger 
size of families in the earlier history of the town makes 
it probable that outside of the village, Farmington has 
increased in population little if any during the last sixty 
years. Farmington Falls also remains in nearly the same 
condition that it was when Maine became a sovereign State. 
With the exception of the churches and the Union school- 
house, few buildings have been erected except to replace 
older structures. In 1850, the Village had grown large 
enough to demand a village government and village ordi- 
nances. No provisions existed for extinguishing fires, 
although the citizens had from time to time discussed 
measures to provide suitable appliances. Before 1850, a 
meeting was held at which it was voted to purchase an 
engine, fire-hooks and ladders for use at fires, but it does 



THE GREAT FIRE. 197 

not appear that anything was ever done beyond passing the 
vote. The most serious fire which ever occurred in town, 
took place in 1850 and forcibly called attention to the 
previous neglect. At that tmie, the square on Main St., 
between Broadway and Exchange St., was occupied by a 
brick store on the corner of Main St. and Broadway, and 
several wooden stores above. A hotel was situated at the 
corner of Broadway and Pleasant St., and several shops and 
a dwelling-house on Pleasant and Exchange Sts. The fire 
was first discovered a little past midnight, on August 7th, 
in the store owned by Francis Knowlton and occupied by 
True G. Whittier, which stood on a portion of the ground 
now covered by Knowlton's block. The conflagration rapidly 
spread in all directions and the citizens, destitute of proper 
appliances, were able to do but little toward staying the 
flames. Fortunately the night was calm, hardly a breath of 
air stirred, and by great efforts the fire was arrested at 
Stoyell's brick store on the south, but every other building 
on the square being of wood, and cheaply built, was burned. 
The loss was estimated at $18,000, about half of which was 
covered by insurance, and was divided among the various 
individuals as follows : 

True G. Whittier, loss on stock $1500, insured for 
;^iooo; B. R. Elliott, jeweler, loss on stock $150; J. E. Ham, 
tailor, loss on stock $200; Mrs. M. M. Stanley, milliner, loss 
on stock $600; D. Beale, Jr., store and stock, $3,500, insured 
$2,000; Miss D. Tebbitts, milliner, loss on stock $200; 
Richard Hiscock, store and stock, $3,000, insured $1200; 
G. R. Stanley, jeweler, loss on stock $200; Keith and Field, 
loss on stock $1000, insured $1000; Leander Boardman, 
vacant store, $600; George T. Soule, loss cabinet shop and 
stock, $1200, insured $700; William Tarbox, harness-maker, 
loss on stock $100; Samuel York, dwelling-house and out- 
buildings, $700, insured $500; Elliott C. Marvel, shoe-maker, 
loss on stock $200; Henry Johnson, furniture and livery 
stock, loss $300; John Titcomb, store occupied by Keith 
and Field and George R. Stanley, $1000, insured $750; 
PVancis Knowlton, two large stores, one small store, Frank- 

26 



198 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

lin House, stable, etc., loss ^3,000, insured $1575 ; H. B. and 
J. A. Stoyell, damage to stock $500, fully insured. 

Although this fire resulted in a heavy loss to the owners 
of buildings and stock, and was regarded as a very serious 
disaster to the place, the appearance of the village ultimately 
was much improved by the substantial brick buildings with 
which the old structures were replaced. With commendable 
enterprise the owners of the stores set themselves imme- 
diately to rebuild. Mr. Knowlton erected three brick stores 
the following year, and Richard Hiscock, Daniel Beale, and 
Leander Boardman, also soon built brick stores upon their 
lots. Mr. Titcomb sold his land to Morton and Wright, 
who put a brick store on the site now owned by Abbott 
Belcher, and Dr. Allen Phillips built a brick store, afterwards 
burned, on the lot now occupied by William Tarbox's store. 
Mr. York also rebuilt his dwelling, but the hotel lot is still 
vacant. 

The extent of the disaster was such as to fully arouse 
the citizens to the need of taking some active measures to 
prevent its repetition. The legislature was in session at the 
time, and, in answer to a petition, immediately granted a 
charter to the Farmington Village Corporation, which was 
approved August 28, 1850. The residents on lots Nos. 23, 
24, 25, 26, 27, and 28, on the east side of the river, which 
lots represented the limits of the corporation, met in conven- 
tion October 21st, to vote upon the acceptance of the 
charter. The sentiment was favorable to such action, and a 
code of by-laws, drawn up by Hon. Samuel Belcher, was 
adopted. The ofificers elected were as follows : Supervisor, 
Epaphras Johnson ; clerk, J. F. Sprague ; treasurer, A. W. 
F. Belcher ; assessors, F. G. Butler, Ebenezer Childs, and 
Levi M. Williams. A committee was also appointed to 
ascertain the cost of a fire engine. The interest in this 
corporation gradually died out as the events which called it 
into being faded from mind, and it does not appear that its 
organization was kept up. Certainly no engine or other 
apparatus for extinguishing fires was purchased. 

The charter of the Sandy River Bank to be located at 



SANDY RrVER BANK. 1 99 

Farmington, was approved by the governor March i6, 1853. 
The capital stock was made $50,000, and the bank was organ- 
ized October 14th following, by the election of Samuel 
Belcher, Theodore Marston, Leander Boardman, J. R. W. 
Johnson, J. S. Milliken, Francis Smith, and John Trask as a 
board of directors. Hon. Samuel Belcher was elected presi- 
dent of the board, and Thomas G. Jones appointed cashier. 
Mr. Jones was a native of Eastport, and had been but a short 
time resident in town. The larger part of the stock was 
originally taken by Chicago parties, and as a consequence 
the larger part of the loans was made to these stockholders 
and their friends. These debtors failed to meet their paper 
at maturity, and after much delay, finally proposed to meet 
the cashier in New York, and pay their entire indebted- 
ness. Mr. Jones met their representatives as proposed, in 
the summer of 1855, and received from them certain time 
drafts, checks, etc., purporting to be equal in value to the in- 
debtedness ; but upon maturity the paper all went to protest. 
Regarding the transaction as a deliberate swindle, the bank 
at once commenced a suit against these western debtors, 
which was tried in the United States District Court at 
Chicago, at the January term of 1857. J. A. Linscott, Esq., 
who had succeeded Mr. Jones as cashier, and Hon. Samuel 
Belcher the president, managed the case for the bank, and 
engaged Hon. George Evans of Portland, to make the plea. 
Mr. Evans began his plea at the opening of the court in the 
morning, and at its close the coui*t adjourned, he having 
occupied the entire day in his argument. The result of this 
trial was a verdict for the plaintiff, but the judgment was for 
a much smaller sum than was claimed. The loss on the 
notes, together with the expenses of the suit, which were 
very heavy, swept away about one-fourth of the bank's 
capital. The citizens of Farmington, who had not generally 
subscribed to the stock of the bank at its organization, now 
resolved to make the interests of the bank their own. An 
act was obtained from the legislature, approved April 9, 
1859, authorizing the increase of the capital stock to $75,- 
000. In the summer of 1859, this new stock was taken up 



200 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

and paid in and the bank, as thus constituted, continued 
until March i8, 1865, when, under the provisions of the 
national banking act, approved June 3, 1864, it was converted 
into a national bank, known as the "Sandy River National 
Bank of Farmington." 

The presidents of the bank have been : 

Samuel Belcher, from October, 1853, to October, 1861, 
when he resigned. 

Francis G. Butler, from October, 1861, to July, 1874, 
when he resigned. 

Joseph W. Fairbanks, from July, 1874, to January, 1878. 

Francis G. Butler, from January, 1878. 

The cashiers have been : 

Thomas G. Jones, from October, 1853, to October, 1855. 

Joseph A. Linscott, from October, 1855, to October, 1858. 

Timothy F. Belcher, from October, 1858. 

Oct. 13, 1855, occurred the third of the great freshets, 
which have from time to time devastated the valley of the 
Sandy River. After an unusually heavy equinoctial storm, 
during which the ground became thoroughly saturated with 
water, a rain began to fall on Friday, the 12th of October, 
and continued in torrents during the night and following day. 
The river, already swollen, rapidly rose and overflowed its 
banks, reaching a point Saturday night above the high- 
water mark of 1820. At Farmington Falls the water rose 
twenty-two feet above low-water mark, a higher point than it 
had ever previously, or has since reached, at that place. 
The east half of the Center bridge was carried away and 
swept on to the interval below. At Farmington Falls, two 
saw-mills, a machine shop, and paint shop were carried away, 
and the grist-mill much damaged. In the upper part of the 
town the injury was not so great, but the crops, particularly 
corn, which stood in the shocks, were seriously injured, 
throughout the northern part of the county, by the unprece- 
dented length and severity of the storms. 

In the spring of 1858, the Riverside Cemetery was 
opened. The desirable lots in the church-yard connected 
with the Center meeting-house being all taken, a new bury- 



FRANKLIN PATRIOT. 20I 

ing-ground became imperative. Dea. John Bailey, whose 
farm was located about three-quarters of a mile below the 
Village, selected a beautiful site upon a slight elevation on 
his land overlooking the river, and opened it for a cemetery. 
The first interment, that of a young son of Richard S. Rice, 
was made in April, 1858, and from that time, lots were 
rapidly disposed of. The original ground contained about 
six acres, and this was enlarged by an addition of four acres 
on the south, in 1866. In 1876, Hon. Joseph W. Fairbanks 
purchased some four acres of land lying directly south of the 
Riverside Cemetery, and laid it out as a burying-ground, 
known as the Franklin Cemetery. A receiving tomb has 
been built in this ground. 

The first number of the Franklin Patriot was published 
Jan. 29, 1858. H. B. Stetson and E. F. Pillsbury were the 
editors, and Stephen B. Lee, of Lewiston, the printer. This 
paper was issued as a local journal especially devoted to the 
interests of the democratic party, its motto being " Liberty 
in the harness of the law." Mr. Stetson retired from the 
firm at the end of two years, and was succeeded by J. A. 
Linscott, Esq., who, in company with Mr. Pillsbury, edited 
the paper for some years. Mr. Leander B. Brown, after- 
ward editor of the Maine Standard and night editor of the 
Boston Globe, had the paper in charge for a short time, suc- 
ceeding Linscott and Pillsbury, in 1864. In 1865, the type, 
etc., belonging to the Patriot, were bought by a Mr. Chick 
and moved to Augusta, where they were used in the publica- 
tion of the Maine Standard. 

A somewhat remarkable occurrence took place Nov. 3, 
1859, when a black bear was killed within the limits of the 
town. While a lad was partridge shooting in Temple, he dis- 
covered a bear in one of the mountains. The alarm was at 
once given, and a hunting expedition organized to give chase 
to Mr. Bruin. He was driven into the borders of Farming- 
ton, where he was shot by Mr. James Allen, a visitor from 
Boston. He proved to be a full-sized bear of the black 
variety usually found in PVanklin County, and is the only 
one known to have been captured in town within the pres- 



202 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

ent century, although in the mountainous districts of adjoin- 
ing towns they are occasionally found even at the present 
time. 

A second serious conflagration occurred in the Village in 
the winter of 1859. On the morning of December 29th, 
fire was seen issuing from the cellar of the store owned by 
Hiram Belcher, and occupied by A. H. Bonney, for the sale 
of general merchandise, situated on the west side of Main 
St., on the site now (1884) occupied by the New York 
Store. The building was of brick, with a tin roof, and was 
considered nearly fire-proof. The second story was used as 
the publishing office and counting-room of the Franklin 
Patriot, and also as the law-office of Messrs. Linscott and 
Pillsbury. In the attic, Mr. Belcher had some twelve hun- 
dred pounds of wool stored, without insurance. It was sup- 
posed that the fire was caused by the heat from the stove 
burning through the floor and dropping fire into the cellar. 
Such headway was gained before the fire was seen, that it 
was found impossible to save the building. The Village was 
still without a fire-engine or fire department, and the citizens 
were obliged to use their utmost endeavors to save the adjoin- 
ing building. The walls of the store being of brick, and its 
roof of tin, it was possible to confine the fire to its own 
limits. For a time, the store on the north, owned and occu- 
pied by G. W. Whitney, was in great peril, but was finally 
saved with slight damage. 

Mr. Bonney was carrying a heavy stock at the time, which 
was entirely destroyed. The loss was partially covered by 
an insurance of $4,000. Mr. Belcher had an insurance of 
$1,200 on the store, but the valuable law library of Linscott 
and Pillsbury was a total loss. 

Again the attention of the citizens was fully aroused to 
their inexcusable neglect in failing to supply the Village with 
suitable fire apparatus. The Village charter, which had been 
obtained ten years before, had fallen into desuetude, and the 
measures necessary for the maintenance of the corporation 
had not been taken. It was thought best to obtain from the 
legislature then in session a new act of incorporation. Ac- 



VILLA GE OR GANIZA TION. 



203 



cordingly, another charter was granted differing but slightly 
from the first, and signed by the governor Feb. 24, i860. 
The charter was accepted March 27th. A code of by-laws 
was subsequently adopted to regulate the government of the 
corporation, and officers elected. The Village included, ac- 
cording to its charter, lots Nos. 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27, but lot 
23, was afterward dropped from its limits. The first officers 
of the Village Corporation were : William M. Reed, super- 
visor; Francis Knovvlton, treasurer and collector; J. A. 
Linscott, clerk; John Titcomb, Alanson B. Caswell, and 
l^euben Cutler, assessors. 

A. B. Caswell was designated to procure a fire-engine and 
other apparatus. The engine was secured at a cost of $500, 
and has been the only one owned by the Village. An engine- 
house was erected on Academy St., east of the Academy, but 
upon the erection of the Normal School building, its site was 
needed, and it was moved to Pleasant St., where it now 
stands. Reservoirs have also been dug from time to time to 
supply the engine with water. Since the adoption of the 
charter, the ordinances of the Village have been regulaiiy 
maintained. The supervisors have been : 



William M. Read, e 


ectec 


April 4, 


i860. Died Aug 


John L. Blake, 




Sept. 8, 


i860 


Frederic C. Perkins 




Jan. 31, 


1866 


John H. Allen, 




Jan. 17, 


1868 


Isaac S. Jacobs, 




Jan. 22, 


1869 


Francis G. Butler, 




Jan. 21, 


1870 


Isaac S. Jacobs, 




Jan. 27, 


1871 


Thomas B. Smith, 




Jan. 27, 


1872 


John L. Blake, 




Jan. 25, 


1873 


Benjamin Goodwin, 




Jan. 31, 


1874 


John F. Woods, 




Jan. 29, 


1876 


Jacob C. Church, 




Jan. 26, 


1877 


Levi G. Brown, 




Jan. 23, 


1880 


Joseph S. Kempton 




Jan. 2 t, 


1881 


Levi G. Brown, 




Jan. 19, 


1883 



[86c 



In August, i860, the citizens were thrown into a state of 
;reat excitement by the visitation of the small-pox, the first 



204 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

time that scourge had ever prevailed in the town. It was 
brought into the place by a man by the name of Jones who 
at that time kept a livery-stable. Jones himself had only the 
varioloid, but before he was taken violently sick, he had com- 
municated to several friends the unadulterated small-pox. 
The physicians, unaccustomed to the disease, did not at first 
pronounce the malady small-pox, and it thus got some head- 
way before proper measures were taken to stay the contagion. 

Mr. William M. Reed, one of the most prominent and 
popular citizens of the Village, was attacked by the disease 
in its most virulent form, and died after a few days' illness. 
One of the boarders at the Farmington Hotel was seized 
with the disease, and it at once spread among other members 
of the family. For a time, the wildest consternation pre- 
vailed among the people of the town, for no one knew where 
the dreaded scourge would next appear. The authorities 
were prompt in taking means to arrest its progress, as soon 
as its nature was made plain. While it seemed for a time 
that the whole Village was infected, as nearly every one had 
been directly or indirectly exposed, only some fourteen or 
fifteen cases were actually reported, about half of which were 
of the varioloid form, and but three deaths occurred. The 
cases of William M. Reed, Frank Kilgore, and Daniel A. 
Cony, were fatal. 

The growth of the town in population, in the decade 
closing with i860, was greater than in any previous decade. 
The census then taken showed 3106 inhabitants, and the 
valuation was estimated at $998,814. As the railroad termi- 
nus, the business of the town was beginning to perceptibly 
increase, and a number of new dwellings were erected in the 
Center Village. 



CHAPTER XII. 

FARMING TON IN THE REBELLION. 

Slavery. — Election of Abraham Lincoln. — Secession of Eleven States. — 
Fort Sumter Attacked. — Loyal Sentiment in Farmington. — Call for 
Troops. — Gov. Washburn Issues a Proclamation. — Meetings in Farm- 
ington. — Patriotic Sentiments. — Organization of Farmington Companies. 
— The Draft. — Farmington's Quotas. — Bounties and Aid to Soldiers. — 
Work of the Ladies. — John F. Appleton Post No. 25. — List of Sol- 
diers. — Drafted Men. — Principals and Substitutes. 

The question of slavery had been a disturbing element 
between the northern and southern sections of the United 
States, from the adoption of the national Constitution. In- 
deed, angry discussions upon this question antedated the 
adoption of that instrument. For a period of more than 
half a century the South had clung to her peculiar institu- 
tions with great tenacity, and had claimed to shape the 
legislation of the country in various ways favorable to the 
perpetuation of slavery. There had been many congres- 
sional acts begotten by the South, such as the Missouri 
Compromise of 1820, the Fugitive Slave law of 1850, and 
the Dred Scott decision of the Supreme Court of the United 
States, which were repugnant to the North, and caused a 
sentiment adverse to such legislation rapidly to develop in 
political circles. During the presidential canvass of i860, 
the republicans put in nomination Abraham Lincoln ; the 
democrats divided, and nominated Stephen A. Douglass and 
John C. Breckinridge, while a third party, known as the 
constitutional union party, nominated John Bell. The cam- 



27 



2o6 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

paign was unusually exciting, and resulted in the election of 
Mr. Lincoln, who received one hundred and eighty electoral 
votes, and all others one hundred and twenty-three. The 
popular vote for Lincoln was 1,866,452; for Douglass, 
994,139; for Breckinridge, 669,082 ; for Bell, 575,193 ; and 
575,327 votes were cast for fusion tickets opposed to Lincoln. 
While the election of president was pending, the South was 
defiant, and in treasonable language threatened to secede 
from the Union in the event of Mr. Lincoln's election; while 
the North was zealous and determined to ask for nothing 
but what was clearly, right, and submit to nothing wrong. 
The South pretended to see in the election of a repidDlican 
candidate, combined with the fact of the rapid increase of 
wealth, population, and representation in the free states as 
compared with the states over which slavery had cast its 
baleful influence, danger to her peculiar institutions, and 
claimed that now was the time to gratify a long-cherished 
desire to secede from the Union and establish a government 
upon a basis more in harmony with her views. Accordingly 
when the result of the election became known, the legisla- 
ture of South Carolina ordered a convention to assemble and 
consider the question of secession. The convention having 
met on the 7th day of December, i860, on the 20th unani- 
mously adopted a secession ordinance, and before the end of 
May, 1 86 1, eleven states had seceded and established a gov- 
ernment which they dignified as the Confederate States of 
America. The general feeling of solicitude and alarm which 
pervaded the entire North during the spring and summer of 
1 86 1, when eleven states of the southern portion of the 
Union had openly declared for secession, was fully shared by 
the people of Farmington, who early became aware of the 
importance of the crisis, and who believed that a question 
had arisen which would only be settled by the arbitrament of 
the sword. Great unanimity of feeling pervaded all classes 
and conditions of our people, and the sentiment that treason 
must be crushed out, found a response in every loyal heart. 
The paramount question of the hour, was the war, and the 
preservation of the union of the states. It formed the topic 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 20/ 

of discussion in the family circle, upon the street, in the 
stores and shops, and lastly, in public assemblages, where 
the voice of loyalty and patriotism was heard from eloquent 
lips, urging "the boys" to enlist in the defense of the flag. 

On the 4th of March, 1861, President Lincoln was inaug- 
urated, and, in his address to Congress, declared that the 
accession of a republican administration afforded no ground 
for the Southern states to apprehend any invasion of their 
rights, and stated that the power confided to him would be 
used "to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places 
belonging to the government, and collect the duties and im- 
posts ; but, beyond what may be necessary for these objects, 
there will be no invasion, no using of force against or among 
the people anywhere." 

The President, in other State papers, admonished the 
seceding states of the folly of their course, and called upon 
them to lay down their arms and return to their allegiance to 
the Union. This was their golden opportunity, which they 
failed to improve, and the consequences have passed into the 
history of the American republic. 

Fort Sumter, situated near the entrance of Charleston 
harbor in South Carolina, was in command of Major Robert 
Anderson, with a garrison of one hundred and nine men, 
sixty-three of whom were combatants. When, on Friday, 
April 12, 1 86 1, Gen. Beauregard, then in command of the 
rebel forces, fired upon the fort, Maj. Anderson heroically 
defended it, but being over powered by numbers, he was 
obliged to capitulate, and on Sunday, the 14th, the ruins of 
the fort were evacuated, and he marched out at "the head 
of his small command with drums beating and flags flying." 
President Lincoln, on Monday the 15th, called upon the 
different states for militia to the number of seventy-five 
thousand men for three months, to sustain the government 
in this emergency. Of this force, Maine was asked to furnish 
one regiment of a thousand men. When the intelligence of 
the wanton and unprovoked attack upon P'ort Sumter, and 
the surrender of that fortress, reached the loyal North, one 
sentiment only pervaded the people of this town, and an 



208 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

unalterable determination to stamp out treason with force 
and arms, at whatever cost of blood and treasure, spread 
through the community. On the i6th of April, 1861, Gov. 
Washburn issued his proclamation convening the legislature 
on the 22d. At the time appointed, the legislature met and 
promptly authorized the raising of ten thousand volunteers 
for three years, to be organized into ten regiments, and a 
State loan of one million dollars. 

During the early part of the war, it became necessary 
for Farmington to raise its quotas of soldiers from time to 
time, and meetings were frequently held to adopt measures 
for filling these quotas. Among the most notable was one 
held on the Common, Saturday, July 19, 1862, for the pur- 
pose of organizing the militia of the town. Capt. Eben F. 
Pillsbury presided, and in a most effective speech declared 
substantially that it was the solemn duty of every citizen to 
support the government which protects his property, his 
liberty, and his life. He forcibly depicted the disastrous 
consequences of the dissolution of the Union, urging upon 
all, the necessity of upholding the integrity of the govern- 
ment, and upon the soldiers in particular, obedience to their 
country's call, and the use of all means in their power for the 
suppression of treason, secession, and rebellion, in all its 
forms. Other addresses were made by Col. E. W. Wood- 
man of Wilton, Maj. W. P. Frye of Lewiston, Capt. E. I. 
Merrillj^and Rev. R. B. Howard of Farmington, and the 
patriotic sentiments expressed found a response in every 
loyal heart. The New Sharon band was present and dis- 
coursed national music. 

In answer to the call for volunteers, about twenty came 
forward and gave assurances that Farmington would do her 
whole duty in the impending crisis. The organization of 
three military companies was then effected, by the choice of 
the following officers : 

Co. A — Daniel W. Pratt, Captain ; Wm. H. Hutchinson, 
First Lieutenant ; Gustavus A. Stanley, Second Lieutenant ; 
Nathan W. Backus, Jr., Third Lieutenant ; Samuel G. Craig, 
Fourth Lieutenant. 



1\ 



^di4f^^<^ J. i^W^ 



FARMINGTON lAT THE REBELLION. 209 

Co. B — Alvan Neal, Captain; Benj. F. Watson, First 
Lieutenant ; Edward A. Pearson, Second Lieutenant ; Rob- 
ert M. Morrison, Third Lieutenant ; Joseph B. Dow, Fourth 
Lieutenant. 

Co. C — Edward I. Merrill, Captain ; David E. Currier, 
First Lieutenant ; Ammi R. C. Turner, Second Lieutenant ; 
Hiram B. S. Davis, Third Lieutenant ; Samuel J. Farmer, 
Fourth Lieutenant. 

A volunteer artillery company had been organized the 
year previous (Sept. 14, 1861 ) with the following officers: 

Eben F. Pillsbury, Captain ; Henry M. tiowes. First 
Lieutenant ; Andrew J. Wheeler, Second Lieutenant ; El- 
bridge G. Craig, Third Lieutenant. 

Capt. E. F. Pillsbury was appointed upon the staif of 
Maj.-Gen. William Wirt Virgin, of the 8th Division of mili- 
tia. He was appointed by that officer to cause a re-enroll- 
ment of the military companies, which service was executed 
in every town in Franklin County, in the summer of 1862. 

As the war progressed, more men were wanted at the 
front to supply the places of those whose terms of enlist- 
ment had expired, as well as of those who fell by death or 
were incapacitated by disease, and the government made 
frequent calls for men, viz. : 

April 15, 1 861, for 75,000 militia for three months; May 
3, 1861, for 42,034 volunteers for three years, of whom 22,714 
were for the regular army, and 18,000 for the navy; July 2, 
1862, for 300,000 volunteers for three years; August 4, 1862, 
a draft of 300,000 men for nine months, was ordered to be 
made by State authorities from the militia. 

Farmington's quota in the call of July 2, 1862, was 34 
men, and in the call of August 4th, it was 64 men. 

October 17, 1863, a call was issued for 300,000 men for 
three years; Feb. i, 1864, 200,000 for three years; March 
14, 1864, 200,000 men for three years; July 18, 1864, 500,- 
000 men for one, two, and three years; Dec. 19, 1864, 300,- 
000 for one, two, and three years. Under these calls Farm- 
ington's quotas were respectively 26, ii, 15, 46, and 39 men. 

Under these various calls the State of Maine furnished 
for all branches of the military service 72,945 soldiers, at an 



2IO HISTORY OF FARMINGTOM. 

expense for State bounties paid, of $4,629,633, and of this 
number 7,322 were killed or died from wounds or disease. 

The total number of soldiers furnished by the town of 
Farmington under the foregoing calls, was 326, as shown by 
the Adjutant-General's report ; and the amount paid from 
the treasury of the town under the different calls was as 
follows : 

To the three-years' men of 1862, $3,400; to the nine- 
months' men of 1862, $9,600; to the volunteers of 1863-64, 
$8,400; to the volunteers of 1864-65, $29,225; to drafted 
men who entered the service (3), $900; to substitutes (36), 
$1,800; amount contributed by individuals towards bounties 
to soldiers, $100; amount contributed, principally by ladies, 
to U. S. Sanitary Commission and other relief associations, 
$2,525 — making a grand total of $55,950. The commissioners 
upon equalization of bounties allowed the town of Farm- 
ington, for 207 men, as follows: 117 men for three years, 
$11,700; 36 men for one year, $1,200; 54 men for nine 
months, $1,350; aggregating the sum of $14,250. 

By the act of the legislature, approved April 25, 1861, 
cities, towns, and plantations were authorized and empowered 
to make proper provision for the support of the families of 
the absent soldiers who might enlist by virtue of said act. 
Under this and subsequent acts, the town of Farmington 
furnished aid to 162 families, consisting in the aggregate of 
359 persons, at an expense of $5,820.05 to Jan. 25, 1866. 

While men and treasure were thus freely given, the needs 
of the sick and wounded soldiers at the front were not for- 
gotten. The ladies organized a branch of the Sanitary Com- 
mission, and worked diligently and enthusiastically to gather 
and dispense needful hospital supplies. Belcher Hall was 
opened as the headquarters for sanitary supplies, and there 
the ladies met to prepare lint and bandages, comfortables, bed- 
ding and clothing. Matrons drew from their treasure- 
house stores of fine linen, which their girlish fingers had 
spun and woven for their bridal outfit, children's fingers 
pulled its threads and sent it on its mission of mercy. The 
young ladies formed a club for the purpose of raising money 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 2 1 1 

to aid in the work, and by their entertainments, added ma- 
terially to the fund. 

The Grand Army of the Republic, John F. Appleton Post, 
No. 25, was organized at Farmington in April, 1880, to com- 
memorate the military achievements and services of officers 
and soldiers who participated in the late civil war, and to pro- 
mote charity, fraternity, and loyalty among its members. The 
object and purpose of this organization, are to foster a spirit 
of patriotism, to aid the needy soldier, and to perpetuate, 
among the survivors of that sanguinary conflict, the memories 
of their dead comrades. Its officers consist of a comman- 
der, senior vice-commander, junior vice-commander, adjutant, 
quartermaster, surgeon, chaplain, officer of the day, and 
officer of the guard. This order takes an interest in the 
welfare of the soldiers' widow and orphans ; assumes charge 
of exercises on Decoration Day, and performs many acts and 
duties appropriate to its peculiar sphere. 

The town annually appropriates from fifty to one hundred 
dollars towards the expenses of Decoration Day, which oc- 
curs on the 30th of May each year. 

The Grand Army Post, in some respects, is modeled upon 
the principles of the Society of the Cincinnati, an association 
founded by the officers of the American Revolutionary army 
after the peace of 1783 ; but the latter organization possessed 
a kind of aristocratic feature, being composed wholly of offi- 
cers, while the former knows no previous rank or distinction, 
for all enter upon equal footing. 

The objects of the Society of the Cincinnati were lauda- 
ble and beneficent. They were intended to commemorate 
the success of the Revolution, to perpetuate sentiments of 
patriotism, benevolence, and brotherly love, and to recall the 
memory of hardships experienced in common. 

The following is an alphabetical list of Farmington men 
who went into the United States military service for the 
suppression of the rebellion, and includes those who served 
upon the quotas of this and other towns in this State. It is 
based upon the Adjutant-General's report, and the number 
therein found exceeds the number awarded to Farminirton 
by the commissioners on equalization of bounties paid by 



212 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



the several towns in the State. This difference is accounted 
for by the fact that the Adjutant-General's Report contains 
three classes additional to those allowed by the commission- 
ers, viz. : those who enlisted before bounties were paid, those 
who entered the Navy, and those who received commissions. 
This list embraces some who were not residents of the town, 
while there were other Farmington boys who enlisted out of 
the State, and performed prodigies of valor in defense of the 
old flag. Many who went forth at their country's call, never 
returned, and their dust rests peacefully upon Southern 
battlefields, carefully guarded by the Eye that never sleeps, 
Farmington's roll of honor numbers fifty-eight. 



Charles M. Adams. 



Charles Alexander. 



Charles A. Allen. 



Henry T. Allen. 



Edgar W. Arnold. 



Musician 8th Infantry. Band. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 17, 1 861. Served 
nine months.* Died in New 
York, June 30, 1862. 

Surgeon i6th Infantry. Mustered 
in July 10, 1862. Wounded at 
Gettysburg, Penn. Served two 
years, four months. 

Private Co. E, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 4, 1862. Served 
five months. 

Private Co. A, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 7, 1 86 1. Detached 
to ist U. S. Artillery. Prisoner 
at Andersonville, Ga. Served 
three years. 

Private Co. G, 17th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 18, 1862. Wound- 
ed at Gettysburg, Penn. Taken 
prisoner near Cold Harbor, Va., 
June 2, 1864. Served two years. 
Died in Andersonville Prison, 
Aug. 27, 1864. 



*The length of service is reckoned from the date of muster-in to the date of 
discharge from United States service, and does not include the time from enlist- 
ment to muster-in, which in some cases was several months. 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 



213 



Leonard Atwood. 



Charles C. Avery. 



John F. Avery. 



Albert G. N. Bailey. 



Elias H. Bailey. 



John F. Bailey. 



Josiah C. Baker. 



AuiTustus A. Bancfs. 



lulmund T. Banirs. 



Luman J. Bangs. 



Fireman Gunboat Dawn, U. S. 
Navy. Mustered in April 17, 
1862. Promoted acting 3d as- 
sistant engineer, on Gunboat 
Flambeau. Served two years, 
one month. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 861. Corporal 
Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mustered 
in Oct. 10, 1862. Served one 
year, three months. Died at Bos- 
ton, Mass., Oct. 4, 1863. 

Private Co. H, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 7, 1 86 1. Served 
eleven months. Died at Beau- 
fort, S. C, Aug. I, 1862. 

Private Co. I, 3d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 4, 1861. Promoted 
sergeant. Served nine months. 
Died in California, Dec. 23, 1876. 

Private Co. H, 29th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 16, 1863. Served 
one year, six months. On quota 
of Westbrook. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Feb. 12, 1862. Served seven 
months. Died at Alexandria, Va., 
Sept. 16, 1862. 

Private 2d Battery. Mustered in 
Dec. 26, 1863. Served one year. 
On the quota of Avon. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 8, 1862. Served 
five months. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 5, 1862. Served 
two years, ten months. 

Private Co. A, 5th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 24, 1861. Served 



214 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Charles A. Barker. 



S. Clifford Belcher, 



William Bell. 

Hiram Bennet. 
Daniel L. Bishop. 



Charles E. Blake. 



David A. Blake. 



Edwin Blake. 



J. ]5irney Blake. 



two years, ten months. Died 
June 24, 1873. 

Private Co. E, 5th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 24, 1861. Served 
one month. Accidentally shot at 
Centerville, Va., July 17, 1861. 

Captain Co. G, i6th Infantry. 
Mustered in Aug. 14, 1862. Pro- 
moted major. Wounded at Ered- 
ericksburg and at the Wilderness, 
Va. Served two years, one 
month. 

Private Co. E, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 15, 1 86 1. Served 
nine months. Died at New Or- 
leans, La., Aug. 9, 1862. 

Private 12th Infantry. Mustered 
in March 10, 1865. 

Private Co. E, 13th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 10, 1861. Pro- 
moted corporal. Re-enlisted Eeb. 
29, 1864. Promoted sergeant. 
Served three years, eight months. 

Private Co. K, 13th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 13, 1861. Pro- 
moted chaplain. Served 
year, eight months. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. 

tered in Nov. i, 1861. Served 
three months. Died at Augusta 
Feb. 13, 1862. 

Private Co. A, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 7, 1 86 1. Re- 
enlisted P'cb. 29, 1864. Served 
four years, two months. 

Private Co. E, 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Served 
six months. Died April i, 1863. 



one 



Mus- 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 



215 



Fortuna Bolduc. 
I'hilandcr W. Bonncy. 

William T. Brackley. 
Edward S. Bragg. 
William A. Brainerd. 



Alanson V. Brooks. 



Hiram T. Brooks. 



Herbert A. Brown. 
J. Sylvester Brown. 



William S. Bullen. 



Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Sept. 26, 1864. Served nine 
months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eight months. Died May 27, 
1863. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Sept. 16, 1864. Served nine 
months. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
three months. 

2d Lieutenant Co. E, 13th Infantry. 
Mustered in Dec. 10, 1861. Pro- 
moted captain. Served two years, 
six months. Died at New Or- 
leans, La., June 17, 1881. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 1862. Re-enlisted 
March 23, 1864. Served one 
year, eight months. Deserted 
April, 1864. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Sept. 16, 1864. Served nine 
months. 

U. S. Navy. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eight months. Died at Donald- 
sonville, La., June 16, 1863. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Promoted 
corporal. Coporal Co. C, ist 
Cavalry. Mustered in Feb. 8, 
1864. Served one year, eight 
m o n t h s . Died in Salisbury 
Prison, Nov. 17, 1864. 



2l6 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Hosea P. Bump. 



Augustus F. Butterfield. 



Benjamin F. Butterfield. 



Cyrus Case. 



Cyrus C. Case. 



Samuel S. Carlton. 



James U. Childs. 



Hannibal H. Church. 



Collamore P. Clayton. 



Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Re-enlist- 
ed Dec. 28, 1863. Served three 
years, nine months. 

Private Co. G, 17th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 18, 1862. Served 
one year, five months. 

Private Co. K, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Corporal Co. E, 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Promoted 
sergeant. Sergeant Co. C, ist 
Cavalry. Mustered in Feb. 8, 
1864. Promoted orderly -ser- 
geant. Served two years, four 
months. 

Private Co. F, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 8, 1862. Re-enlist- 
ed Feb. 29, 1864. Promoted 
sergeant-major. Served three 
years, eleven months. 

Private Co. H, 32d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in April 21, 1864. Served 
one year, two months. 

Orderly-Sergeant Co. G, i6th In- 
fantry. Mustered in Aug. 14, 
1862. Promoted 2d lieutenant, 
promoted ist lieutenant. Taken 
prisoner at Gettysburg, Penn. 
Served two years, ten months. 

Private Co. E, 13th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 10, 1861. Served 
seven months. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Served 
three years, one month. 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 



217 



Edmund B. Clayton. 



John H. Clayton. 
Oscar S. Clough. 
George P. Conner. 
Henry C. Cony. 
John A. Cook. 
Charles P. Corbett. 

Isaac P. Corbett. 

Joseph Craig. 
Abner Crocker. 



Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Promoted 
corporal. Wounded at Brandy 
Station, Va. Taken prisoner near 
St. Mary's Church, Va., June 24, 
1864. Died in Andersonville 
Prison, Oct. 6, 1864. Served 
two years, eleven months. 

Wagoner Co. K, 32d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in May 6, 1864. Served 
one year, two months. 

Private Co. K, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Mar. 21, 1865. Served 
one year. 

Musician Co. G, 17th Infantry. 
Mustered in Aug. 18, 1862. 
Served one year. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Feb. 12, 1862. Served three 
years. 

Private Co. E, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 15, 1 86 1. Served 
eight months. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
two months. Died at Smoke- 
town, Md., Oct. 24, 1862. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
ten months. Died at Memphis, 
Tenn., Aug. 13, 1863. 

Private Co. E. 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Served 
ten months. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
two years, ten months. 



2l8 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Hiram Crocker, Jr. 



William E. Crocker. 



Charles A. Cunningham. 



David Currier. 



Ira V. Cutler. 



Nathan Cutler. 



Charles B. Daggett. 



AuiTustus S. Davis. 



Hiram S. Davis. 



William T. Davis. 



Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
eight months. 

Private Co. D, 9th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 22, 1 86 1. Re- 
enlisted Jan. I, 1864. Served 
three years, eight months. 

Private 17th U. S. Infantry. Mus- 
tered in April 13, 1865. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Re-enlist- 
ed Dec. 28, 1863. Served three 
years, nine months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
two months. 

Private Co, B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
two months. 

1st Sergeant Co. L, 2d Cavalry. 
Mustered in Dec. 24, 1863. 
Served five months. Deserted 
May 25, 1864. 

Wagoner Co. A, nth Infantry. 
Mustered in Nov. 7, 1861. Pri- 
vate Co. E, 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Served 
one year, four months. Died in 
Hamilton, Nev., Oct. 10, 1871. 

Private Co. E, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 15, 1 86 1. Re- 
enlisted Feb. 2, 1864. Wounded 
at Winchester, Va. Served four 
years and five months. 

Private Co. E, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 15, 1 86 1. Re- 
enlisted Jan. I, 1864. Taken 
prisoner at Cedar Creek, Va., 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 



219 



James E. Dennison. 



Georjre H. Ditson. 



Joseph Dobbins. 



Geortre B. Doujjlass. 



Joseph B. Dow. 



Joshua R. Dow. 



Dana M. Dowst. 



Charles S. Dudley. 



GeoriiC I'. Dutlon. 



Oct. 19, 1864. Served three 
years, two months. Died in Sal- 
isbury Prison, Jan. 20, 1865. 

Musician 8th Infantry Band. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 17, 1 86 1. Served 
one year. 

Wagoner Co. G, 13th Infantry. 
Mustered in Dec. 12, 1861. 
Served three years, one month. 
Discharged for promotion in 
corps d' Afrique. 

Private Co. A, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 19, 1864. Served 
eight months. Died at Washing- 
ton, D. C, Oct. 19, 1864. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Feb. 13, 1862. Served four 
months. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Pro- 
moted hospital steward. Served 
two years, two months. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Wound- 
ed at Fredericksburg", Va. Served 
eight months. Died June 28, 

1873- 

Corporal Co. P2, 24th 
Mustered in Oct. 
Served five months. 
Bonnet Carre, La., Mar. 28, 1863. 

3d Assistant Engineer, Steamer 
Seminole, U. S. Navy. Died at 
Farmington, Nov. 26, 1863. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 



Infantry. 

13, 1862. 

Died at 



220 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Hiram R. Dyar. 



Aaron H. Dyer. 
Israel F. Dyer. 



William H. Dyer, 



Oliver D. Eaton. 



Patrick Flaherty. 



Alexander Fraser. 



William A. Furbush. 



Charles Gay. 



Sergeant Co. G, 17th Infantry. 
Mustered in Aug. 18, 1862. Pro- 
moted 2d lieutenant. Served ten 
months. Killed in action at 
Gettysburg, Penn., July 2, 1863. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
six months. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
four months. Died Dec. 18, 1862, 
from wounds received at Freder- 
icksburg, Va. 

Private Co. K, ist Infantry. Mus- 
tered in May 3, 1861. Private 
Co. E, 1 2th Infantry. Mustered 
in Nov. 15, 1 86 1. Re-enlisted 
P^eb. 2, 1864. Promoted corporal. 
Served four years, eight months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. E, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 18, 1862. Served 
three years, one month. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 28, 1863. Served 
three months. Deserted April 
4, 1864. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
five months. Died Jan. 13, 1863, 
from wounds received at P"red- 
ericksburg, Va. 

Corporal Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Served 
four months. 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 



221 



George Gay. 
Albert J. Gerry. 
Elbridge Gerry, Jr. 
Albion Getchell. 



John B. Gilman. 



Sumner A. Gleason. 



Augustine Gogna. 



Godfrey Gognoy. 



Akin Gonyou. 



Charles 11 Guoclvvin. 



Private Co. E, 5th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 24, 1861. Served 
eight months. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Sept 26, 1864. Served nine 
months. 

Corporal Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
seven months. 

Private Co. E, 5th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 24, 1861. Served 
two years, eleven months. Died 
May 10, 1864, from wounds re- 
ceived at Spottsylvania, Va. 

Private Co. A, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. I, 1862. Served 
one year, nine months. Died 
July 5, 1864, from wounds re- 
ceived in front of Petersburg, Va. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
one year, five months. Died at 
Augusta, Jan. 13, 1864. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Sept. 26, 1864. Served nine 
months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Taken 
prisoner near Baton Rouge, La. 
Served eleven months. 

Private Co. H, 29th Infantry. 
Mustered in Dec. 16, 1863. 
Served two years, six months. 
On the quota of Westbrook. 

Private Co. F, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 20, 1861. Promoted 
corporal. Served eight months. 
Killed in action at Baton Rouge, 
La., Aug. 5, 1862. 



29 



222 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Byron A. Gordon. 



William L. Goss. 



Georoce C. Gould. 



Edward W. Grant. 



Daniel B. Graves. 



Louis D. Greenwood. 



Daniel Griffin. 



Georo^e Grounder. 



Joel D. Grover. 



Private Co. D, 2d U. S. Sharp- 
shooters. Mustered in Feb. 22, 

1864. Served nine months. 
Died Nov. 21, 1864. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Promoted 
corporal. Sergeant Co. F, 14th 
Infantry. Mustered in Feb. 28, 

1865. Served one year, five 
months. 

Private Co. K, i ith Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 2, 1 86 1. Re-enlist- 
ed Jan. 16, 1864. Promoted cor- 
poral. Served three years, eight 
months. 

Private Co. D, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 6, 1865. Served 
six months. 

Paymaster's Clerk, Steamer Cam- 
bridge, U. S. Navy. Died at 
Augusta, Aug. 31, 1869. 

Sergeant Co. H, 14th Infantry. 
Mustered in March 22, 1865. 
Served five months. 

Private 2d Battery. Mustered in 
Sept. 22, 1864. Served nine 
months. 

Private Co. K, 29th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Jan. 5, 1864. Served 
nine months. On the quota of 
Waldoboro'. Died at Alexandria, 
Va., Oct. 18, 1864. 

Private Co. C, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Private 
Co. Y, 14th Infantry. Mustered 
in Feb. 28, 1865. Served one 
year, one month. 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 



22' 



John A. Hamlin. 
Andrew J. Hannaford. 

Charles R. Hardy. 
William M. Hardy. 
John Hawley. 



George R. Hersey. 

Jesse K. Hiscock. 
Benjamin Holbrook. 

Daniel E. Holley. 
Augustus L. Home. 
John W. Home. 



Private Co. G, 17th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 18, 1862. Served 
six months. Died Aug. 23, 1865. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
ten months. Died at New Or- 
leans, La., Aug. 7, 1863. 

Private Co. G, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in March i, 1865. Served 
five months. 

Corporal Co. G, i6th Infantry. 
Mustered in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Served four months. 

Private Co. C, 17th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 18, 1862. Wound- 
ed at the Wilderness, Va. Served 
two years, six months. On quota 
of Scarboro'. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
three months. Died Aug. 21, 
1865. 

Private Co. E, 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Served 
ten months. 

Private Co. A, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 8, 1865. Served 
eleven months. On quota of 
Bangor. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Sept. 19, 1864. Served nine 
months. 

Private Co. F, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 28, 1865. Served 
six months. 

Private Co. F, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 28, 1865. Served 
six months. 



224 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



George L. Hosmer. 



Silas G. Hovey. 



Henry D. Irish. 
Mortimer D. Jacobs. 



David Jeffers. 
John Jeffreys. 
Albert F. Jenkins. 
*Lemuel Jenkins. 

Asa Jennings. 



Private Co. G, 17th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 18, 1862. Served 
two years, ten months. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 4, 1862. Taken 
prisoner at Gains Cross Roads, 
Va. Served one year, eight 
months. On quota of New- 
Sharon. Died at Farmington, 
May 12, 1864. 

Sergeant Co. B, 28th Infantry. 
Mustered in Oct. 10, 1862. 
Served eleven months. 

Private Co. A, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 7, 1 86 1. Re-enlist- 
ed Feb. 29, 1864. Promoted 
corporal, promoted sergeant. 
Wounded at Drury's Bluff, Va. 
Served four years, four months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. K, 29th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Jan. 19, 1864. Served 
nine months. 

Private Co. I, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. Died in Temple, 
Jan. 10, 1880. 

Private Co. G, 17th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 18, 1862. De- 
tached for service with Division 
Surgeon. Served two years, ten 
months. 



* A soldier in the war of 1812. 



FARMINGTON IN' THE REBELLION. 



225 



Luther B. Jennings. 



Reuben B. Jennings. 



Henry C. Johnson. 



David Keith. 



James B. Keith. 



John Keith. 
Stephen W. King. 
Albert Knowles. 
Fred N. L. Knowlton. 
William W. Lake. 



Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Dec. 21, 1 86 1. Promoted cor- 
poral. Served one year, one 
month. 

Captain Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Resigned 
Jan. 15, 1862. Hospital Steward 
Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mustered 
in Oct. 6, 1862. Served six 
months. Died Aug. i, 1882. 

Private Co. K, 3d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. I, 1 86 1. Promoted 
corporal. Re-enlisted. Served 
three years. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Taken 
prisoner near Baton Rouge, La. 
Served eleven months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Taken 
prisoner near Baton Rouge, La. 
Private Co. H, 14th Infantry. 
Mustered in March 22, 1865. 
Served one year, four months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private 2d Battery. 
Sept. 22, 1864. 
months. 

Private 30th Unassigned Infantry. 
Mustered in April 14, 1865. 
Served one month. 

Private Co. H, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in March 22, 1865. Served 
four months. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Sept. 17, 1864. Served nine 
months. Died April 28, 1883. 



Mustered in 
Served 



nme 



226 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



John C. Lamb. 
Lucius Lawrence. 

George E. Lewis. 

William G. Lewis. 



John Locke. 
William T. Locke. 
Leonard R. Lovejoy. 
Rufus N. Lovejoy. 
Jophanus J. Lowell. 

Alsbury Luce. 



Thomas W. Luce. 



Private 17th U. S. Infantry. Mus- 

- tered in April 14, 1865. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Sept. 9, 1864. Served nine 
, months. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in March 10, 1864. Served 
four months. 

Private Co. A, 8th Lifantry. Draft- 
ed. Mustered in July 15, 1863. 
Served one year. Died July 21, 
1864, from wounds received in 
front of Petersburg, Va. 

Private Co. C, 15th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 26, 1862. Served 
three years. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
seven months. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
eight months. 

Corporal Co. F, 2d Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 11, 1863. Served 
one year, ten months. 

Private Co. G, 17th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 18, 1862. Served 
six months. Died at Falmouth 
Va., Feb. 11, 1863. 

Private Co. Y, 3d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 4, 1861. Wounded 
at Fair Oaks, Va. Served two 
years, one month. On quota of 
Norridgewock. Killed in action 
at Gettysburg, Penn., July 2, 1863. 

Corporal Co. G, i6th Infantry. 
Mustered in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Served three months. Died at 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 



227 



James G. B. Lufkin. 
Jason L. Lufkin. 
Andrew C. Mace. 



Cornelius S. Mace. 



Edward A. Mace. 



Hiram A. Mace. 



John W. Mace. 



R. Everett Mace. 



Wilson J. Mace. 



Alanson C. Maddocks. 



John A. Marston. 



Washington, D. C, Nov. 17, 
1862. 

Private Co. E, 13th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 5, 1862. Served 
five months. Died Feb. 2, 1865. 

Private Co. C, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 8, 1864. Served 
one year, three months. 

Private Co. A, nth Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 7, 1 86 1. Served 
six months. Killed in action 
near Lee's Mills, Va., April 29, 
1862. 

Private Co. E, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 15, 1 86 1. Served 
three years, one month. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 12, 1862. Wound- 
ed at Dinwiddle Court House, Va. 
Served two years. 

Private Co. H, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in March 22, 1865. Served 
five months. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
two years, ten months. 

Private Co. I, 3d Infantry. Drafted. 
Mustered in July 15, 1863. 
Served two years, two months. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
ten months. Died Aug. 16, 1863. 

Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
four months. Deserted Dec. 11, 
1862. 

Private Co. M, 2d Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Jan. 19, 1864. Served 



228 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Marshman W. Marvell. 
Mayhew N. Marvell. 

Henry McAllister. 
David McCleery. 

Ezra H. McKeen. 



James W. McKeen. 



Edward I. Merrill. 



G. Dana Merrill. 



William O. Merrovv. 



nine months. Deserted Oct. i8, 
1864. 

Artificer 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Eeb. 14, 1862. Served three 
years. Died May $, 1866. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Feb. 12, 1862. Re-enlisted Feb. 
16, 1864. Served two years, five 
months. Deserted July 16, 1864. 

Private Co. H, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in March 22, 1865. Served 
five months. 

Corporal Co. G, i6th Infantry. 
Mustered in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Served five months. Died in 
California, May 19, 1881. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Re-enlist- 
ed Dec. 28, 1863. Promoted 
sergeant. Served three years, 
nine months. 

Private Co. K, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in March 21, 1865. Served 
four months. 

Capt. Co. G, 17th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 18, 1862. Wound- 
ed at Chancellorsville, Va. Ap- 
pointed captain Veteran Reserve 
Corps. Brevetted major of Vol- 
unteers. Served three years, 
four months. 

Musician 8th Infantry. Band. 
Mustered in Sept. 7, 1861. 
Served one year. Died May 14, 
1867. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Served 
three months. Deserted Feb. 
II, 1862. 



FARMING TON IN THE REBELLION. 



229 



Converse Moody. 
Dennis Moore. 

Charles A. Morrill. 

Charles P. Morrill. 

George H. Morrill. 
Geo. G. Mossman. 
Dehave I*". Norton. 

James I. Norton. 
Watson Nye. 



Alonzo J. OdcU. 



Solomon J I. Odell. 



30 



Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Served 
three months. 

Private Co. I, 3d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 4, 1861. Served 
three months. Died Aug. 23, 
1861. 

Corporal Co. G, 17 th Infantry. 
Mustered in Aug. 18, 1862. 
Wounded at the Wilderness, Va. 
Served two years, ten months. 

Private Co. P3, 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Promoted 
hospital steward. Served ten 
months. 

Private 4th Battery, Mustered in 
Sept. 26, 1864. Served nine 
months. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 10, 1862. Served 
six months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
seven months. Died at Donald- 
sonville, La., May, 1863. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. E, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 15, 1 86 1. Dis- 
charged for promotion in corps 
if Afriqiic. On quota of Ches- 
terville. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Servetl 
eleven months. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, i86[. Re-enlist- 
ed Dec. 28, 1863. Taken pris- 



230 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



James W. Painter, 



Frank W. Parker. 



Charles A. Partridge. 



Edward A. Pearson. 



Charles H. Perham. 



Silas Perham. 



John D. Perry. 



Harry S. Piper. 



Robert G. Pope. 



oner, near St. Mary's Church, 
Va. Served three years, nine 
months. Died P'eb. 9, 1882. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 861. Re-enlist- 
ed Dec. 28, 1863. Served two 
years, five months. Deserted 
April 4, 1864. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Served 
eight months. 

Private Co. K, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Jan. 23, 1864. Promoted 
corporal. Served one year, six 
months. 

Sergeant Co. B, 28 th Infantry. 
Mustered in Oct. 10, 1862. 
Served eleven months. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Sept. 17, 1864. Served nine 
months. 

Private Co. A, 23d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 29, 1862. Private 
4th Battery. Mustered in Sept. 
17, 1864. V Promoted artificer. 
Served one year, seven months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. Died Jan. 11, 
1882. 

Seaman Flagship Minnesota, U. S. 
Navy. Mustered i n April 7, 
1 861. Transferred to Gunboats 
Victoria and Howquah. Pro- 
moted petty officer. Served 
three years, two months. 

Acting 2d Assistant PLngineer, 
steamer Connecticut, U. S. Navy. 
Mustered in Feb. 26, 1862. Pro- 



FARMINGTON IM THE REBELLION. 



231 



Oliver P. Pratt. 



Joseph M. Pulcifer. 



Frederick A.Purrin2:ton. 



Leander Purrinston. 



Alson H. Ouimby. 



Joseph S. Redlon. 
Ephraim Reed. 
Warren Reed. 



Charles li. Ross. 



Isaac B. Russell. 



moted acting ist assistant engi- 
neer on steamer Estella. Served 
three years, nine months. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Sept., 1862. Served two 
months. Died at Frederic, Md., 
Nov. 17, 1862. 

Sergeant Co. B, 28th Infantry. 
Mustered in Oct. 10, 1862. 
Served eleven months. 

Private Co. H, 14 th, Infantry. 
Mustered in March 22, 1865. 
Served five months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. A, 3d Infantry. Draft- 
ed. Mustered in July 15, 1863. 
Wounded at Spottsylvania, and 
in front of Petersburg. Served 
one year, ten months. 

Private Co. B, 29th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Jan. 28, 1864. Served 
one year, eight months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Bugler Co. D, 2d Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 8, 1863. Served 
eight months. On the quota of 
Wiscasset. Died at Greenville, 
La., Aug. 3, 1864. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. Died in Ches- 
terville, Oct. 23, 1864. 

Corporal Co. E, 24th Infantry. 
Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. 
Served ten months. 



232 



H /STORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Isaac J. Russell. 



Samuel Saunders. 



William B. Seavcy. 
Samuel Sewall. 

Ozam Smart. 

Dennis H. Smith. 

George H. Smith. 

George R. Smith. 

Jonathan Smith. 

Samuel B. Smith. 
William R. Smith. 



Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. B, 25th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 29, 1862. Ser- 
geant Co. F, 2d Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 11, 1863. Served, 
two years, nine months. 

Private 12th Infantry. Mustered 
in March 3, 1865. 

Private Co. E, 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Served 
ten months. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Oct. 4, 1864. Served eight 
months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. C, 29th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Jan. 29, 1864. Served 
one year, six months. Deserted 
July 18, 1865. 

Private Co. E, 13th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 10, 1861. Served 
two years, four months. Died in 
Farmington, April 19, 1864. 

Private Co. G, ist Veteran Infantry. 
Mustered in Oct. 4, 1862. Served 
two years, nine months. On 
quota of Harrington. 

Corporal Co. E, 32d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in April 2, 1864. Served 
eight months. 

Sergeant Co. E, 24th Infantry. 
Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. 
Served ten months. 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 



-^oj 



Wilson C. Smith. 



Theodore S. Sprai^ue. 



Gustavus A. Stanley. 



James A. Stanley. 



Alonzo Stevens. 



Belcher S. Stewart. 



Frank H. Stinchfield. 



William Stinchfield. 



Samuel F. Stoddard, Jr. 



Private Co. F, 3d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 21, 1862. Served 
two years, eleven months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Private 
Co. F", 2d Cavalry. Mustered in 
Dec. II. 1863. Served one year. 
Died at Barrancas, Fla., Sept. 7, 
1864. 

Captain Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Captain 
Co. F, 2d Cavalry. Mustered in 
Dec. II, 1863. Served two years, 
eleven months. Died at Pensa- 
cola, Fla., Jan. 16, 1884. 

2d Lieutenant Co. E, 32d Infantry. 
Mustered in April 2, 1864. 
Served nine months. 

Private Co. K, loth Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 4, 1 86 1. Corporal 
Co. H, 29th Infantry. Mustered 
in Dec. 16, 1863. Promoted ser- 
geant. Served four years. On 
quota of Temple. 

Corporal Co. G, 12th Infantry. 
Mustered in Nov. 15, 1861. 
Served one year, three months. 
Died Oct. 16, 1870. 

Private Co. B, nth Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. 8, 1 86 1. Re-enlist- 
ed Jan. 8, 1864. Served four 
years. Deserted Nov. 20, 1865. 

Private Co. G, 13th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Feb. 17, 1862. Served 
three years. 

Musician 8th Infantry. Band. 
Mustered in Sept. 17, 1861. 
1st sergeant Co. F, 2d Cavalry. 



234 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Charles W. Stowers. 



George W. Stoyell. 



William H. Stoyell. 



Aue:ustus G. Streeter. 



Abraham B. Swain. 



Benjamin A. Swan. 
Samuel H. Sweet. 



John Sylvester. 



l^enjamin V . Tibbctts. 



Mustered in Dec. i i, 1863. 
Wounded at Marianna, Fla. ist 
Lieutenant Co. D, Coast Guards 
Infantry. Mustered in Jan. 9, 
1865. Served two years, nine 
months. Died in Minnesota, 
Dec. 16, 1875. 

Private Co. D, 15th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 10, 1861. Served 
eight months. Died at New Or- 
leans, La., Aug. 17, 1862. 

Private Co. F, 2d Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 30, 1864. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. D, 29th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Jan. 20, 1865. Served 
one year. On quota of Auburn. 

Private Co. E, 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Served 
live months. 

U. S. Navy. 

Private Co. A, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. I, 1862. Served 
one year, one month. Died at 
Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 12, 
1863. 

Private 4th Battery. Mustered in 
Jan. 14, 1862. Re-enlisted Feb. 
16, 1864. Served three years, 
five months. 

Sergeant Co. F, 2d Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 11, 1863. Served 
eight months. Died at Barran- 
cas, Fla., Aug. II, 1864. 



i 



FARMINGTON IN THE REBELLION. 



235 



William II. Tibbetts. 



Albert Titcomb. 
Isaac Tbomas. 
Joshua A. Thomas. 
Albert Thompson. 



Andrew J. Thompson. 
Jeremiah Thompson. 

Otis S. Thompson. 

Warren F. Thompson. 



Lemuel Tobev. 



Private Co. K, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 25, 1862. Served 
one year, eight months. Killed 
in action at Coal Harbor, Va., 
June 3, 1864. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. G, 12th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in March i, 1865. Served 
one year. 

Private Co. D, 15th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 10, 1861. Served 
three years, one month. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1861. Re-enlist- 
ed Dec. 28, 1863. Promoted ser- 
geant. Served three years, nine 
months. 

Private Co. F, loth Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 4, 1 86 1. Served 
one year, seven months. 

Private Co. E, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 19, 1 86 1. Promoted 
corporal, promoted sergeant. 
Served three years, one month. 

Private Co. E, 5th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 24, 1861. Served 
one month. Deserted July 23, 
1861. 

Sergeant Co. A, 8th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Sept. 7, 1 86 1. Promoted 
2d lieutenant, promoted ist lieu- 
tenant. Served two years, five 
months. Died Sept. 13, 1866. 

Private Co. E, 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Served 
four months. Died at New Or- 
leans, La., Feb. 25, 1863. 



236 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



John Todd. 



Thaddeus Tuttle. 



Hiram C. Vaughan. 



Reuben Viele. 



Musician Co. E, 24th Infantry. 
Mustered in Oct. 13, 1862. 
Served seven months. Died at 
New Orleans, La., May 10, 1863. 

Private Co. E, 24th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 13, 1862. Served 
seven months. Died at Bonnet 
Carre, La., May 20, 1863. 

Private Co. K, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Dec. 17, 1861. Promoted 
hospital steward. Captain Co. E, 
24th Infantry. Mustered in Oct.. 
13,1862. Acting Assistant Sur- 
geon, steamers South Carolina, 
and St. Louis, U. S. Navy. Mus- 
tered in March, 1864. Served 
two years, ten months. 

Private Co. K, ist Infantry. Mus- 
tered in May 3, 1861. Corporal 
Co. K, loth Infantry. Mustered 
in Oct. 4, 1 86 1. Sergeant Co. K, 
29th Infantry. Mustered in Nov. 
13, 1863. Served four years, four 
months. 
Private Co. G, i6th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 14, 1862. Pro- 
moted corporal. Taken prisoner 
at Gettysburg, Penn. Served one 
year, nine months. Died May 12, 
1864, from wounds received at 
the Wilderness. 
Sergeant Co. G, i6th Infantry. 
Mustered in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Served five months. 
Micah P. D. Weathern. Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 

j tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
three months. 



Gardner B. Wade. 



Benjamin F. Watson. 



M. LeKoy Weathern. 



Corporal Co. B, 28 th Infantry. 
Mustered in Oct. I O, 1862. 



FARM/NGTON /N THE REBELLIOIV. 



237 



Justus Webster. 

John Q. Welch. 

Jesse Wentworth. 

Edmund W. Whitney. 
Frank W. Whitney. 

George A. Whitney. 
Jason Wier. 

Isaac V. Wills. 

Hiram Wood. 

William H. Wood. 

l""rank VV'ormcll. 
31 



Served six months. Died at New 
Orleans, La., April 18, 1863. 

Corporal Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Promoted 
commissary sergeant. Served 
three years, one month. 

Private Co. H, 14th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in March 22, 1865. Served 
three months. On quota of 
Boothbay. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Nov. I, 1 86 1. Served 
one year, one month. Died Aug. 
24, 1867. 

Private Co. L, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in March i, 1862. Served 
three years. 

Private Co. E, ist Cavalry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 19, 1 86 1. Served 
six months. Died at Washing- 
ton, D. C, April 20, 1862. 

Musician 8th Infantry. Band. 
Mustered in Sept. 17, 1861. 
Served one year. 

Private Co. A, ist Veteran In- 
fantry. Mustered in Jan. 29, 
1864. Served one year, five 
months. 

Private Co. B, 28th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in Oct. 10, 1862. Served 
eleven months. 

Private Co. F, ist D. C. Cavalry. 
Mustered in Jan. 19, 1864. Died 
at Washington, D. C, in 1864. 

Corporal Co. B, 28 th Infantry. 
Mustered in ()ct. 10, 1862. 
Served eleven mt)nlhs. 

Private Co. K, 32d Infantry. Mus- 
tered in May 6, 1864. Taken 



2^,8 



n /STORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Isaac C. Yeaton. 



William II. Yeaton. 



William N. Yeaton. 



prisoner in front of Petersburg, 
Va. Served one year, one month. 

Private Co. E, 5th Infantry. Mus- 
tered in June 24, 1861. Wound- 
ed at Spottsylvania, Va. Served 
three years, one month. 

Private Co. PI, ist Infantry. Mus- 
tered in May 3, 1861. Served 
three months. 

Corporal Co. C, i6th Infantry. 
Mustered in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Served eleven months. Killed in 
action at Gettysburg, Penn., July 
I, 1863. 



When the calls for soldiers w^ere issued, it was found that 
many P'armington men who were living out of the State 
were ready to respond. It has been impossible to make a 
full and complete list of such soldiers. The following list 
includes those whose records have been available : 

Nathaniel Cothren, enlisted in New York. 
Daniel W. Davis, 33d 111. Infantry. 
Edward P. Davis, 2d Col. Cavalry. 
Frank C. Davis, 3d Penn. Cavalry, 
r^-ank M. Davis, 33d 111. Infantry. 
Nathan C. Goodenow, i6th 111. Cavalry. 
Albert G. Johnson, enlisted in Wisconsin. 
Thomas J. Johnson, enlisted in Wisconsin. 
Albert G. Norcross, 21st Mass. Infantry. 
Charles D. Smith, 15th Mass. Infantry. 
David C. Stewart, i8th Mass. Infantry. 
Charles Tarbox, 21st Mass. Infantry. 
Joseph L. Whitten, 4th Mass. Infantry. 



The men who were drafted from Farmington and who 
paid commutation, were comparatively few. The appended 
list is believed to include all of this class : 



FARMTNGTON IN THE REBELLION. 239 

Nathan W. Backus, Jr. Sylvester Jennings. 

George W. Bailey. G. Dana Merrill. 

Charles E. Carville. Simon Smith. 

Charles B. Daggett. Charles L. Stewart. 

James Dobbins. Nathan C. Thomas. 

Eli F. Furbush. N. Adelbert Voter. 

Charles H. Hay. Amherst Whitmore. 

Luther B. Jennings. Elias H. Yeaton. 

A number of citizens, however, who were drafted, chose 
to send substitutes. The names of all such are believed to 
be included in the following list. The name of the substi- 
tute, and the length of term for which he was to serve, will 
be found opposite the name of the principal : 

Alfred M. Campbell. William G. Howard. i year 

Samuel G. Craig. Luke Woodward 3 years 

Andrew J. Dodge. James Merrill. " 

William W. Kempton, Jr. l''rancis Bouchartl. " 

Christopher G. Kinney. Andrew J. Voter. " 

Reuben H. Lord. Charles Reed. i year 

Benjamin Y. Lowell. Patrick Riley. 3 years 

Frederic C. Perkins. Josiah C. Bacon. " 

John R. Voter. Frank Mema. " 

Philander E. Whittier, John Adams. i year 

John F. Woods. Robert Welch 3 years 

Many citizens capable of bearing arms were, for various 
reasons, unable to offer their services to their country. The 
patriotism of Farmington is, perhaps, no more clearly indi- 
cated than in the large number of such citizens, of all 
parties, who chose to be represented by a substitute. Princi- 
pals and substitutes of this class will be found in the follow- 
ing list : 

Alexander W. Abbott. Charles Clark. 3 years 

Jeriah M. Bass. George F. Steadman. " 

Timothy F. Belcher. Stephen B. \\'yman. " 

Elbridge G. Blake. William Parker. 

James H. Bonney. William Day, " 

Charles F. Butler. Michael Roach. " 

Ahnas S. Butterfield. Charles (ioodvvin, 2d. 



240 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



David H. Chandler. 
George W. Cothren. 
Wesley R. Cothren. 
T. Frank Davis. 
Amos H Dolbier. 
Elmon J. Dyar. 
Joseph W. Fairbanks. 
Orville T. Gleason. 
James Goodwin. 
Josiah W. Greene. 
Henry M. Howes. 
John W. Jewett. 
Leonard Keith. 
James McLain. 
William H. Niles. 
Richard S. Rice. 
Henry Sprague. 



Archibald McLean. i 

Leander H. Furrington. 
Augustus W. Warren. 3 
Samuel R. Norton. 
Arthur Brennan. 1 

Henry Hobson. 3 

Albert R. Turner. 
Louis Bidard 
Kennedy Smith. 
William Trollop. 
Jerry Chadwick. 
John Carney. 
Philander C. Towns. 
James Roach. 
John Riley. 
Charles Edwards. 
John Anderson. 



year 



year 
years 



CHAPTER XIII. 

A RECORD FROM iS6o TO 1S84. 

Effects of the War. — Murder in Strong. — Trial of Doyle. — Trial of Jesse 
Wright for Murder of Jeremiah Tuck. — Trial of Samuel Richardson for 
Murder of Joseph Edes. — Assault of Asahel Thompson upon David W. 
Whittier. — Services Memorial of President Lincoln. — Opening Tele- 
graph Line. — Public Library Opened. — Franklin County Savings Bank 
Organized. — Attempted Robbery of the Sandy River National Bank. — 
Meteorological Phenomena. — Great Freshet. — Ice Freshet. — Growth 
of the Town, from 1S60 to 1870. — Extension of Railroad. — New Streets 
Located. — Buildings Erected. — Trial of John Fletcher. — Fires of 1874 
and 1S75. 

The years succeeding i860 were anxious and troublous 
years in the history of Farmington. The one topic which 
absorbed the thought and action of the whole country, was 
the one absorbing interest of the people of this town. 
Many times during the long four years of war did the bells 
ring for victory ; many times they tolled when the news of 
disaster and defeat swept over the wires. The part played 
by the citizens of Farmington in that tragedy, was the part 
of unfeigned loyalty and patriotism. Men and treasure were 
freely given, and many homes in this peaceful valley were 
made desolate. In a separate chapter the facts regarding 
the history of Farmington in the Rebellion, are detailed, and 
in the following pages, the events connected with the civil 
history of the town alone will be discussed. 

On Sept. 15, 1862, the community was thrown into a, 
state of the wildest excitement over the news of a brutal 



242 HISTORY OF FARM/NGTOIV. 

murder in the adjoining town of Strong. Sunday morning, 
September 14th, a young daughter of Isaac Libby, only nine 
years old, left her home alone to go to the village to church. 
She was never seen again by her parents until her dead body 
was found buried in the edge of a wood a short distance 
from the highway. The singular brutality of the murder of 
an innocent child, in the bright light of a Sabbath day, pro- 
duced the greatest consternation. During the twenty-four 
hours which passed between the disappearance of the child 
and the finding of her body, large numbers of the citizens of 
Strong and neighboring towns were engaged in searching 
for her ; and so ingeniously was the concealment of her body 
effected that the merest chance revealed the grave. 

Suspicion soon turned upon one Lawrence Doyle, a native 
of New Brunswick, employed by the little girl's father and 
living in his family. Doyle was arrested and lodged in the 
jail at Farmington. Owing to the meager character of the 
evidence against him, as well as the inexpediency of bringing 
him to trial while the prejudice and indignation of the com- 
munity were so strong against him, the case was not brought 
to trial until the fall term of the Supreme Judicial Court 
in 1863. 

The trial began October 28th, Hon. Charles W. Walton, 
justice presiding, and Hon. Josiah Drummond, attorney- 
general, and Hon. Samuel Belcher, county-attorney, appear- 
ing for the State. Eben F. Pillsbury, Esq., Hon. Joseph A. 
Linscott, and Oliver L. Currier, Esq., were assigned by the 
court as counsel for the prisoner. The case was given to the 
jury Thursday, November 5th, and after being out twenty- 
five hours and failing to agree, the jury was discharged. It 
was understood that seven stood for conviction and five for 
acquittal. 

The second trial began April 25, 1864, before Judge Wal- 
ton. Hon. John A. Peters appeared for the State, and the 
remaining counselors were unchanged. Upon May loth, the 
jury, after being out one hour, returned a verdict of guilty, 
and the same day the prisoner received the sentence of 
death. 



MURDER IN STRONG. 243 

This trial of Lawrence Doyle, for the murder of Lura 
Vellie Libby, has always been regarded as one of the most 
interesting cases of circumstantial evidence in the criminal 
annals of the State. The testimony consisted of the most 
minute bits of evidence, all appearing to fit together to form 
a chain to fasten the guilt upon Doyle. Neither at the time 
of the murder, nor since, have any circumstances arisen 
pointing to another person as the guilty one. Doyle was a 
young man, about thirty years old, and had lived in several 
different families in Strong as hired help ; and, although 
ignorant and illiterate, had always been regarded as a quiet 
and inoffensive man. During his trials he seemed stunned 
and dazed, and his own testimony, given at the last trial, was 
generally regarded as prejudicial to his case. While the 
community at large regarded, and still regard him as the 
perpetrator of the murder, he had a few staunch friends who 
were never convinced of his guilt. His own counsel had the 
most thorough confidence in his innocence, and spared 
neither time nor money to secure his acquittal. The warrant 
for his execution was never issued, and he died at Thomas- 
ton, March 25, 1870, apparently a broken-hearted man, assert- 
ing his innocence up to the day of his death. 

The murder of the Libby child in Strong was the begin- 
ning of a carnival of crime in the county. During the 
winter of 1863-4, three men charged with murder, 'antl one 
with a murderous assault, were lodged in the jail at l'"arm- 
ington. 

On May 6, 1863, one Jesse Wriglit, a farmer of I'hillips, 
became involved in a quarrel with his neighbor, Jeremiah 
Tuck, concerning Tuck's sheep, which he accused of tres- 
passing in his fields. In the midst of high words, Wright 
raised his gun and fired a charge of shot into Tuck, killing 
him instantly. Wright was indicted by the grand jury for 
murder, and his trial began Oct. 27, 1863, before Judge Wal- 
ton. Hons. Josiah Drummond and Samuel Belcher appeared 
for the State, and J. H. Webster, Esq., and H. L. Whitcomb, 
Esq., for the defense. The trial lasted two days, resulting in 
a verdict of guilty, and Wright was sentencetl to death. 



244 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Wright was conveyed to Thomaston to await the warrant 
of the governor. As he was an old man of more than 
seventy years, and was believed by many to have been a 
victim of an ungovernable temper, rather than guilty of 
wilful malice, much sympathy was felt for him, and efforts 
were made to secure a pardon. The pardon was refused, but 
in consideration of his age and ill health, he was sent back 
to the jail at Farmington, where he remained some four or 
five years, enjoying considerable freedom of action. Gov. 
Chamberlain, after an examination of the case, finally par- 
doned him, and he died not long after, with his friends. 

Nov. 1 6, 1863, one Joseph Edes, of Temple, a man eighty 
years old, went with his son to the house of a neighbor, 
Samuel Richardson, alias Varnum, to settle a difficulty con- 
cerning a fence which he suspected Richardson of removing. 
Richardson, becoming greatly excited, seized an old sword 
and gave young Edes a blow, breaking the sword in so doing. 
He then took his gun, and a melee ensued, in which Richard- 
son's wife took part. I'he Edeses succeeded in disarming 
Richardson, and were backing away from the house, when 
he seized an axe and made a furious onset upon the elder 
Edes, inflicting a wound in the chest, from which death 
ensued in about four hours. Richardson then took his gun 
on his shoulder and marched to Farmington, where he was 
arrested'and placed in jail. He was arraigned for murder at 
the next term of court, his trial beginning April 23, 1864, 
before Judge Walton. Hon. Samuel Belcher appeared for 
the State, and Hon. Robert Goodenow for the defense. The 
jury returned a verdict of guilty, and Richardson was sen- 
tenced to be hung. The sentence was never executed, how- 
ever, and he remained a prisoner at Thomaston until his 
death, Aug. 2, 1869. 

The case of felonious assault was that of one Asahel H. 
Thompson, who attempted burglary in the house of Mr. 
David W. Whittier, of Chesterville. On the evening of 
Dec. 5, 1863, Thompson hired a liorse at I'^armington, and 
made his way tt) the lower jiait of Chesterville where the 
house of Mr. Whittier was situated. He eflectctl an en- 



\/:A'ryCliS MEMOKJAl. 0I-' IJNCOl.N. 245 

trance through a window into the room where he supposed 
Mr. Whittier sle})t, for the purpose of robbing him of his 
valuables. He was provided with chloroform, and evidently- 
intended to do his work without harm to the inmates of the 
house. It happened, however, that owing to the sickness of 
a child, Mrs. Whittier with the child occupied the room 
alone. Mrs. Whittier at once discovered the intruder, and 
her alarm brought her husband to the room. A hand to 
hand struggle ensued, in which Thompson drew a knife on 
Whittier, and finally made his escape. An aged uncle of 
Mr. Whittier appearing on the scene, was, in the darkness, 
mistaken by his nephew for an accomplice, and very severely 
handled by him before the mistake was discovered. Thomp- 
son was 'traced to Bangor, where it was found he had enlisted 
in the army, but upon demand, was promptly turned over to 
the civil authorities. His trial came off in the April term 
of court, in 1864, when he was convicted of burglary. His 
sentence was twenty years imprisonment at hard labor, but 
he was pardoned by the governor Feb. 20, 1871. 

The news of the assassination of President Lincoln, 
reached P'armington on the afternoon of April 15, 1865, by a 
special messenger from Readfield. The first reports were of 
an exaggerated nature, but the arrival of the mails confirmed 
the worst fears in regard to the beloved chief-magistrate. 
While the President was sitting with Mrs. Lincoln in a pri- 
vate box at P^ord's Theatre, J. Wilkes Booth fired a pistol at 
his head, the ball taking effect just above the ear. He died 
at twenty-two minutes past seven the following morning, 
consequently the first knowledge of the terrible deed came 
with the announcement that all hope was over. 

The following day was Sunday, and the principal churches 
were heavily draped in mourning, and appropriate sermons 
were preached in recognition of the Nation's bereavement. 
The citizens of P^irmington and some of the surrounding 
towns, adopted measures properly to commemorate the sad 
event, antl Wednesday, April 19th, was set apart for services 
suitable to the occasion. Places of business were closed and 
heavily ilraj^ed with mourning emblems, and many })rivate 



246 1 us TORY OF FARMIXGTON. 

residences were also hung with bhick. The Sui)reme Court 
was in session, Judge Kent presiding, and many attorneys 
and strangers were in attendance from various parts of the 
State. Judge Kent adjourned the court, and the Normal and 
Abbott schools, as well as the public schools, were dismissed 
for the day. In the afternoon a procession was formed on 
Main St., near Broadway, under the direction of the com- 
mittee of arrangements, with P. M. Garcelon as chief mar- 
shal, and marched to the Congregational Church in the 
following order: 

Military Escort, under command of Chief Marshal. 

Martial music, muftled drums and draped instruments. 

Orators. 

Clergy. 

Members of the Bar. 

County Officers. 

Town Officers. 

Male youth of the several schools. 

Citizens. 

The church was filled by a deeply attentive audience. 
The venerable Isaac Rogers offered prayer, and addresses 
were made by Judge Edward Kent, and Judge Seth May. 
Their remarks were characterized by a tone of bitter hostility 
to the South, which, while excusable under the pressure of 
the tragic event, was yet inappropriate to a promiscuous 
company of citizens gathered to weep over a common 
sorrow. 

In July, 1865, a line of telegraph was completed from 
Leeds Junction to the Center Village at Farmington. Ne- 
gotiations had been begun the year previous, but active work 
was not commenced until the spring of this year. A com- 
pany was formed at Portland to prosecute the work. 

The office was located in a small wooden building on 
Main St., a few doors south of Broadway, which was hurnod 
in the great fire of Sept. 23, 1875. l"hc company afterwards 
sold to the Western Union Company, which now controls 
the line. The telegraph line from Farmington to Phillips^ 



PUBLIC LIBRARY. 247 

was completed in June, 1875, by a private company. The 
line is now used only as a telephone. 

Various attempts have been made from time to time to 
establish a public library in Farmington. The first library 
in town was a small circulating library established at the 
Falls village, about 1800, and was of great value to the read- 
ing public of that day. It was a social organization, each 
member contributing a fixed sum, and the money thus ac- 
quired was invested in new books. The association met 
monthly, when all books were returned and new ones re- 
ceived. The number of books was small, compared with the 
libraries of the present day, but they were generally of 
standard worth. 

In 1865 a society was in existence in the Center Village, 
known as the Philomathean Society, which met regularly for 
debates and other literary exercises. This society, which 
was founded a number of years before, had collected a small 
but valuable library. This library was offered to the citizens 
of the place as a nucleus of a public library. The offer was 
accepted, and in September, 1865, a number of citizens asso- 
ciated themselves together and were incorporated as the 
Farmington Library. Shares in the enterprise were fixed at 
ten dollars each, and were taken up by a large number of 
individuals interested in the project. The money thus raised 
was invested by the library committee in works of standard 
literature. Many contributions of books were also made by 
interested persons, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Jacob 
Abbott, and Mr. Austin Abbott. By the first of January, a 
valuable collection of about six hundred volumes had been 
made. The library was placed in the music rooms of Mr. C. A. 
Allen, in Belcher Hall, just west of the Stoddard House, and 
Mr. Allen was appointed librarian. For several years the 
institution flourished ; but gradually the interest in it sub- 
sided. For the benefit of the schools, the books were re- 
moved to the High School building, in 1881, but becoming 
scattered and destroyed, the trustees ordered the library 
boxed, until the citizens manifest interest enough to support 
the institution in a fitting manner. A small library exists in 



248 H/sTOJ^y OF farmington: 

connection with the High School, and the Normal School 
owns a valuable collection of two thousand volumes. The 
Abbott School also possesses an excellent working library. 
But at the present time ( 1884) the town has neither a public 
nor a circulating library. 

The charter of the Franklin County Savings Bank, was 
obtained from the legislature in 1868, through the efforts of 
Hon. Robert Goodenow and Daniel V. B. Ormsby, Esq. 
The original corporators were, Robert Goodenow, D. V. B. 
Ormsby, Joseph W. Fairbanks, Stillman Tarbox, Samuel 
Belcher, Hannibal Belcher, Simeon H. Lowell, Reuben Cut- 
ler, Charles J. Talbot, Jeremy W. Porter, Daniel Howes, 
and Seward Dill. The organization of the bank was effected 
Nov. 16, 1868, when D. V. B. Ormsby was chosen president, 
and Robert Goodenow secretary and treasurer. The bank 
was opened for deposits the day of its organization, and at 
once commended itself to the people of the county. While 
suffering somewhat during the period of great financial de- 
pression, it has had a successful history and been of marked 
value to the business interests of the place. Its deposits 
now (Dec. 6, 1884) amount to $360,788.42. 

The officers of the bank have been as follows : 

PRESIDENTS. 

D. V. B. Ormsby, 1868 to 187 1. 
Reuben Cutler, 187 1 to 1882. 
Joseph W. Fairbanks, 1883. 

TREASURERS, 

Robert Goodenow, 1868 to 1S74. 
Francis G. Butler, 1874 to 1875. 
L Warren Merrill, 1875. 





TRUSTEES. 






Joseph W. Fairbanks, 


elected 1868. 






Simeon H. Lowell, 


1868 


Died 


1876 


Stillman Tarbox, 


1868 


Retired 


1870 


Reuben Cutler, 


1868 


Died 


1882 




^*s. 



h^/^^^cc^ 




^ 



€<^<n-J 



ATTEMPTED BAIVK ROBBERY. 249 



elected 


1868 


Retired 


1870 


t( 


1868 


Retired 


1870 


t( 


1868 






(1 


1868 


Died 


1874 


(( 


I87I 


Retired 


1873 


u 


1874 






11 


1877 
1878 






11 


1878 

1 88-, 







Daniel Howes, 
Joseph Gould, 
Daniel V. B. Ormsby, 
Robert Goodenow, 
Charles J. Talbot, 
Frederic C. Perkins, 
Francis G. Butler, 
Joseph C. Holman, 
Samuel C. Belcher, 
George W. Wheeler, 



On the evening of the 8th of June, 1869, three gentle- 
manly looking strangers were noticed leaving the cars upon 
their arrival at West Farmington, and walking toward the 
Center Village. Each carried in his hand a valise of large 
dimensions, and apparently of considerable weight. At 
about eleven o'clock that night, as the watchman, Mr. Joseph 
Bangs, was passing the county building, in which the Sandy 
River National Bank was then situated, he heard an unusual 
noise in the banking-room. Mr. Bangs gave the alarm, and 
immediately the burglars, who were then at work, fled down 
the back stairway of the building, out into Broadway and 
toward the river. 

An examination of the premises showed a scene of great 
confusion. The door of the banking-room had been torn 
from its hinges, in effecting an entrance. Wires were laid 
from the room to the back door, evidently for the purpose of 
communication with an outside party. A kit of burglar's 
tools, of the most ingenious construction, were scattered 
about the room, as well as rags, which were used to deaden 
the sound of the blows upon the cold-chisels. A dark- 
lantern, a bottle of brandy, and heavy window draperies, 
completed the outfit. The safe, which was not in a vault, 
had been moved forward into the room, and operations 
had been begun on the back side. A hole some four inches 
square was cut through the outer casing of the safe. The 
burglar-proof safe, constructed of alternate plates of steel 
and iron, and of immense strength, had not been reached, 



250 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

and might have resisted the efforts of the cracksmen, had 
they not been discovered. 

The following morning the burglars were tracked on the 
interval to the ravine back of the building then used for the 
post-office, on Main St., where they came into the street, and 
there the trail was lost. A hand-car, which was left by the 
railroad employes at West Farmington, was found the fol- 
lowing day pitched over an embankment in the town of 
Livermore. It was thus evident that the burglars effected 
their escape with its assistance. No clue has ever been 
found to their identity, and it is generally supposed that they- 
were "professionals." 

The bank was removed the following year, to the second 
story of the brick store owned by A. W. F. Belcher, on the 
opposite corner of Broadway, in which a brick vault was 
built, upon a pier built up from the cellar. A new safe, of 
superior workmanship, was put in position, and the bank con- 
tinued to do business in that building until the fire of Sept. 

23. 1875- 

The year 1869 was remarkable for its deep snows, heavy 

storms, and great freshets. The snow fell to an unusual 
depth, and remained upon the ground until late in the spring. 
On Feb. 3d, 4th, and 5th, occurred severe storms, impeding 
travel, burying fences, and almost hiding houses from view. 
In September, a gale swept over all of eastern New England. 
In Boston the damage was considerable, and throughout the 
State of Maine trees were blown down, fruit destroyed, 
buildings unroofed, and serious loss entailed. The storm in 
Farmington assumed the form of a heavy thunder-shower, 
accompanied by high winds. The injury within the limits of 
the town, however, was less than on several other occasions. 
But a few weeks later, on the 4th of October, occurred the 
fourth, and in some respects the most disastrous of the se- 
ries of great freshets, which have periodically visited the 
valley of the Sandy River. It began raining early in the 
morning of the 3d, and rained without cessation, and in tor- 
rents, until the next afternoon at six o'clock. 

During the succeeding night, the river rose so rapidly as 



GREAT FRESHET. 25 I 

to alarm those tlwellin^" upon the low lands. The water 
swept in a torrent over the whole extent of the intervals, and 
soon reached and passed over the county road south of the 
Abbott hill. Those living- in the houses immediately south 
of Little Blue, found themselves cut off from communication 
on all sides, and the water still rising. As it was feared that 
. those houses were in danger of being swept away, a boat was 
secured for the purpose of removing the terrified inhabitants. 
Into the first house, occupied by an aged lady by the name of 
Case, the boat was rowed through the front door, and the 
inmates taken in from the front stairs. The residents of the 
two houses below were also removed. 

In the progress of this freshet, every bridge on the river 
was rendered impassable. The west portions of both the 
Fairbanks and Center bridges were carried away, as well as 
the Chesterville part of the bridge at Farmington Falls. 
The damage done to the bridges over the smaller streams 
was also very great, and the cost to the town of repairing its 
bridges, was not less than $10,000. At the time of the flood 
the J. Winslow Jones Corn Packing Company was in opera- 
tion, in new buildings erected just south of the Center 
bridge. The building, with its heavy burden of machinery, 
packed corn and cans, was lifted bodily and carried on to the 
interval below. At Farmington Falls, the spool factory 
owned by B. F. Morrill was also carried away. The injury to 
the interval lands was incalculable. Gravel and stones were 
washed up on the richest of the lands, in many places to the 
depth of several inches, and even feet. The banks of the 
river were severely washed, and in places the course of 
the river was changed. 

The bridges upon the line of the Androscoggin R. R., 
were nearly all rendered impassable, and no thnmgh trains 
were run between Farmington and Lewiston for two weeks. 
The loss of the Center bridge was a serious interru])ti()n to 
business. October 9th, the selectmen put a ferry in opera- 
tion just below the site of the bridge, and it served as tlie only 
means of communication between the two villages until the 
river froze sufficiently to admit of passing on the ice. The 



253 J//SJVKV OF FARMINGTON. 

winter set in early, and the work upon tlie bridge was much 
impeded by storms and inclement weather. When nearly 
completed, a severe ice-freshet occurred, which swept away 
the temporary shore pier, letting the span fall into the river. 
Jan. 2, 1870, a heavy rain fell, and the following morning 
the river broke up, and huge masses of ice were floated 
down the stream. The damage done by this freshet was 
slight, compared to that inflicted by a second ice-freshet, 
occurring on February 19th of the same year. A heavy rain 
began to fall the previous day, which increased to a torrent 
during the night. The snow, already soaked by previous 
rains, refused to absorb the descending flood. Early in the 
morning the river broke over its banks, and soon the inter- 
vals were covered by a rushing floc^d filled with floating ice. 
The railroad bridge over the Temple stream lost three piers, 
and two other bridges between West Farmington and Wil- 
ton, were also rendered impassable. The Norcross bridge, 
on the river road, was struck by the wreck of the railroad 
bridge, and badly damaged, as were several other smaller 
bridges. The Center bridge, which was opened for travel 
the latter part of January, withstood the shock of this 
freshet, the fourth within the season. 

The growth of the town, from i860 to 1870, was marked 
by improvements, rather than by the increase of population. 
The war robbed the town of the lives of no less than fifty 
men in the prime of life, as well as the fruits of the industry 
of four times that number, for more than a third of a decade. 
The actual gain in inhabitants was but 145, the census of 
1870 returning the population as 3251. The valuation was 
estimated at $1,448,735, a gain of $500,000. This increase, 
both in population and estates, was confined almost entirely 
to the two villages. The depot village, or West Farmington, 
by virtue of its having been for ten years the railroad termi- 
nus, came forward as no mean business rival of the Center 
Village. Dissatisfaction had always been rife among those 
citizens of the Center Village through whose influence and 
money the railroad was obtained, that the road was not ex- 
tended to the east side of the river when it was built. It 



FLETCHER MILL. 253 

was felt that unless some action was taken, it might become 
impossible in time to effect its extension, and West Farm- 
ington would become the center of trade for the town. The 
efforts made by the citizens, and their success, has been fully 
detailed in the chapter on Railroads. The growth of the 
Center Village, however, had been by no means inconsider- 
able. Several new streets were located during the period 
under discussion, and many buildings were erected. Perkins 
St. was located in 1865, and Church St., Court St., and High 
St., from Perham St. to Anson St., were located in 1866, and 
the larger part of the houses on these streets were built be- 
fore 1870. Middle St., from High St. to the present Quebec 
St., was accepted in 1867, and extended to the Perham road 
in 1873. The portion of North St. between Perham St. and 
Court St., was located in 1869, and extended to Mrs. S. S. 
Belcher's land in 1876. In 1879, it was further extended to 
Anson St. Lincoln St., from High St. to the land of Samuel 
Belcher, was located in 1869, and Front St. in 1870. Court 
St. was extended twelve rods easterly of North St., in 1879, 
and School St., which had been passable for several years, 
was accepted the same year. 

Upon the events in the history of the town, which lie be- 
tween 1870 and the date of writing, it will be necessary to 
touch but lightly. Not only is the period within the mem- 
ory of most persons now living, but its record is the record 
of a quiet and peaceful chapter in the life of a quiet com- 
munity. It fittingly opens with the completion of the An- 
droscoggin branch of the Maine Central R. R. to the Center 
Village, which has already been alluded to. The first cars 
passed over the track September 15th, and were welcomed 
with every manifestation of joy. The impetus given to trade 
was at once perceptible, and the erection of both public and 
private buildings went rapidly forward. The railroad com- 
pany built fine and commodious freight and passenger depots 
on Front St., and Amos Fletcher erected, in 1871, near the 
depots, a steam-mill for converting gypsum into a fertilizer, 
and for grinding grists as well. This mill was unfortunately 
bunieil, in August, 1872, before it was fairly at work. The 



33 



254 HISTORY OF FARM/NGTOAT. 

Unitarian society began the erection of a church, at the cor- 
ner of High and Court Sts., in 1870, which was finished 
and dedicated in 1873. The school-house for the accommo- 
dation of the May School, was opened for occupancy the 
spring of 1870, and the building for the accommodation 
of the school for girls at the "Willows," was finished in 
1 87 1, and dedicated in December of that year. In 1871, 
Messrs. Phinney, Perkins, Stoyell, and Tuck, erected the fine 
brick stores on Broadway known as the Arcade block. 
These stores, together with those built after the fires of 
1874 and 1875, make the business portion of the village at 
P'armington the neatest and most substantial of any village 
in the State. The tannery, on Perham St., now owned 
by Riggs Bros., was built in the summer of 1872, by Mr. J. 
P. Thwing, who had formerly conducted the same business 
in New Sharon. 

On Jan. 15, 1870, the neighboring town of New Sharon 
was the scene of a painful tragedy, which elicited the horror 
and sympathy of the whole community. In the afternoon of 
that day, deputy sheriff Brown went to the house of John S. 
Tolman, a wealthy and respectable farmer, for the purpose of 
collecting an execution against Ezekiel Tolman, a brother, 
who lived in the family. Ezekiel refused, either to pay the 
debt or to go to prison, and was aided by his brother in 
resisting the officer. A warrant was thereupon issued 
against John S. Tolman, and constable John Fletcher was 
charged with the duty of arresting him. Upon going to the 
house, it was found that the whole Tolman family were in a 
state of great excitement, and determined to resist to the 
last. Brown and Fletcher called upon aids, and a general 
melee ensued, in the semi-darkness of a winter's twilight. 
In the course of the struggle, Fletcher shot at John S. Tol- 
man, as he claimed, in self-defense, after being violently as- 
sailed by him. The shot took effect in the groin, and soon 
resulted in death. 

The grand jury found an indictment for murder against 
P'letcher, during the March term of court following, and tlie 
case was called for trial March 15th, before Judge Rufus P. 



FIRE OF 1874. 255 

Taplcy. Philip H. Stubbs, county attorney, assisted by Hon. 
Natlian Webb, appeared for the State, and Hon. William P. 
P'rye of Lewiston, and Hon. Samuel Belcher, conducted the 
defense. The trial lasted six days, and the jury, after an 
hour's deliberation, returned a verdict of not giiilty. While 
much sympathy was felt for the family of Mr. Tolman, this 
verdict was generally approved by the community, to whom 
Mr. l^letcher was known as a quiet and respectable citizen. 

Early in the morning of Dec. 16, 1874, fire was dis- 
covered in the brick store on the upper part of Main St. 
owned by William Tarbox, and occupied by him as a 
harness-shop. In the second story of the same building 
were the dental rooms of Dr. William Randall. Very un- 
fortunately it was a season of a severe winter drouth, and 
the reservoirs contained but little water and were soon ex- 
hausted. The building was soon seen to be doomed, and in 
spite of the best efforts of the fire department, the fire 
spread in both directions. The store next south of Mr. Tar- 
box was owned by Isaac M. Cutler, of Maiden, Mass., 
and occupied by A. J. Gerry as a hardware store. Between 
this store and that occupied by S. O. Tarbox on the south, 
was a wall, supposed to be fire-proof, and the energies of 
the citizens and the department were turned to stay the con- 
flagration at that point. Snow was very abundant, and this 
was effectively applied. North of William Tarbox's store, 
was a valuable brick store owned by the estate of Joel 
Phinney, and occupied as a furniture wareroom by Thomas 
H. Adams. The walls of the store were left standing, but 
the roof and second story, as well as inside wood-work, were 
destroyed. 

Mr. Gerry and Mr. Adams saved most of their stock, in a 
damaged condition. Mr. Tarbox and Dr. Randall lost all 
their stock, as well as their tools and instruments. Mr. 
Adams purchased the Phinney lot, and repaired and remod- 
eled the store. Mr. Abbott Belcher purchased Mr. Cutler's 
lot, and erected a fine brick store with granite trimmings. 
Mr. Tarbox also rebuilt, and the three stores thus erected, 



256 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

added in a marked degree to the appearance of the business 
portion of the village. 

A conflagration yet more disastrous, took place the fol- 
lowing year. On the evening of Sept. 23, 1875, at about 
half-past ten, the alarm of fire was given, and it was soon 
discovered that the store owned by Dolbier and Pillsbury, 
and occupied as a drug store by I. C. Richards, was the cen- 
ter of the alarm. The building was of wood, as were also those 
situated on both sides of it, and when discovered the flames 
were making rapid work in the destruction of these stores. 
The buildings on the southeast corner of Main St. and Broad- 
way were, at the time of the fire, owned and occupied as fol- 
lows : A brick store stood on the corner, owned by A. W. F. 
Belcher, the lower floor of which was occupied by the boot and 
shoe store of Fairbanks and Belcher, and the second story by 
the banking-room of the Sandy River National Bank and the 
law-office of Samuel Belcher and S. Clifford Belcher. Con- 
necting this building with the drug-store of I. C. Richards was 
a low one-storied building, formerly the office of the Western 
Union Telegraph Company, but at the time of the fire, tem- 
porarily used by William Tarbox, as a harness-shop. South 
of the drug-store was a two-storied wooden building, owned 
by Mrs. Sarah S. Belcher, and occupied by Wm. F. Belcher, 
for the manufacture and sale of clothing, which also con- 
tained the office of the Eastern Express Company. A low 
wooden building stood still further to the south, also owned 
by Mrs. Belcher, and unoccupied at the time of the fire. 
On Broadway, east of the corner brick store, was a two- 
storied wooden building also owned by Mr. A. W. F. Belcher, 
and occupied on the first floor by J. H. Waugh, as a grocery 
store, and on the second floor by Edward Skillings, as a boot 
and shoe shop. Still further to the east was a small one- 
storied wooden building owned by Fliram Russ, and occupied 
as a gentlemen's furnishing store and barber-shop, by Wm. 
Thomas. Next was the wooden store owned and occupied 
by Elbridge Gerry. The inflammable character of these 
buildings soon made it evident that only the most rigorous 
efforts on the part of the fire department and citizens could 



F/RE OF 1875. 257 

save that part of the villati,e from almost total destruction. 
Fortunately the nii^ht was calm, and the hour such that 
nearly all the citizens were able to lend assistance. It was 
resolved to make a stand at the brick store on the north, and 
at the house of Capt. True on the south. Attempts were 
therefore made to tear away the low wooden buildings which 
divided these buildiu'^-s from the fire, while the merchandise 
was removed as rapidly as possible from the doomed stores. 
It was soon seen that the brick store was fated, as well as 
the store above on Broadway. Mr. Russ' store was torn 
down, and the fire was stayed at that point. The total loss 
in buildings burned, was estimated at $10,000, all of which 
were insured save that of Dolbier and Pillsbury. Most of 
the merchandise, as well as the law libraries of the Messrs. 
Belcher, was saved, but in a damaged condition. The safe 
in which the funds of the bank were secured, was fire-proof, 
and stood upon a brick pier built from the cellar. Its posi- 
tion, therefore, was not changed, and its contents were un- 
injured. 

The following year the burnt district on Main St. was re- 
built with fine brick structures upon designs by competent 
architects. Mrs. S. S. Belcher erected two stores upon her 
lot. Dolbier and Pillsbury, and A. W. F. Belcher, each 
erected two stores upon their respective lots. In 1877, T. 
F. Davis put up a fine brick store upon the lot of Hiram 
Russ, being the store now occupied by A. J. Gerry and 
others. At the same time, Dr. L. B. Pillsbury built the 
wooden block on Broadway, in which Drummond Mall is 
situated. 

During the last ten years, few events of great importance 
have taken place in the history of the town. The construc- 
tion of a narrow-gauge railroad to Phillips, undertaken in 
1879, and which has been noticed in the chapter upon Rail- 
roads, is, perhaps, the most noteworthy event of the decade. 
The effect of this road upon the business interests of the 
town, has been slight, but has proved of great advantage to 
the northern part of the county. 



258 HISTORY OF FARMTNGTON. 

The growth of the town has been as considerable as in 
any period of its history. The census of 1880, showed 3353 
inhabitants, and a valuation of $1,601,271. Many fine build- 
ings have been erected. The Methodist church was built in 
1877; the High School building was built the same year; 
Music Hall block in 1883 ; and the Perkins brick block on 
Broadway, in 1884. The dwelling-houses which have been 
built are nearly all of fine architecture, and so placed as to 
enhance the beauty of the village. 




MUSIC HALL BLOCK. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 

Primitive Manufactures. — First Saw-Mill. — Mill built by Francis Tufts, at 
the Falls. — Mill built by Russ.— Other Mills at the Falls.— Mills on 
the Wilson Stream. — Fairbanks' Mills. — Russell's Mills. — Allen's Full- 
ing-Mill.— Stinchfield's Fulling-Mill.— Other Fulling-Mills.— Carding- 
Machines. — Ebenezer Sweet's Tannery. — Tanneries of Butler, Town- 
send, Adams, Were, and others. — Thwing's Tannery. — Shoemakers. — 
Hatters. — Norcross' Pottery. — Cabinet- Makers. — Carriage - Manufac- 
tories. — Clover- Mill. — Starch - Factory. — Machine- Shops. — Atwood's 
Pulp-Mill. — Printing and Publishing. — Fishing Rods. — Greenwood's 
Ear-Protectors. — First Corn-Factory built. — Other Canning Establish- 
ments. — Box Factory. — Huse's Factory. 

The pioneer settlers of Farmington paid little attention 
to mechanical industry. They were generally poor, and their 
energies were necessarily consumed in conquering the wilder- 
ness with fire and steel ; in clearing off the trees which 
clothed the soil, and in rendering it capable of producing the 
sustenance needful for themselves and their families. Saw- 
mills and grist-mills were a necessity, and were early erected 
upon the Temple Stream, the river at the Falls village, and 
the Fairbanks stream : yet, notwithstanding the valuable 
water-power upon the river and its three affluents, it has 
never been utilized for the manufacture of wool or cotton by 
machinery. Fulling-mills and carding-machines were, how- 
ever, established at an early day. 



26o HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

SAW AND GRIST-MILLS. 

As Stated in other portions of the work, the first saw and 
grist-mills were erected by Colburn and Pullen, upon the 
Temple Stream, where similar mills have generally been 
maintained for the last hundred years. At one time, upon 
this stream, the carding of wool was carried on by Abner 
Davis, and perhaps others, and at present Amos Hobbs and 
Son are extensively engaged in making rakes, and during the 
autumn in threshing grain. In 1883, two thousand dozen 
of hand-rakes and eight hundred drag-rakes were sold by 
this firm, which found a ready market in Portland, Calais, 
Bangor, and St. John. Joseph Gould is also operating planes 
and circular saws upon the same dam. About 250,000 feet 
of long lumber are sawed yearly in his mill. At the Falls 
village, Francis Tufts erected saw and grist-mills, in 1788; 
and two years later he sold one-half to Ebenezer Jones, and 
soon after, the remaining half to Jonathan Knowlton. In 
1803, Jones and Knowlton sold these mills to Jonathan Russ, 
who rebuilt them in 1804, and continued to operate them 
until Jan. 29, 18 13, when they were burned, but were re- 
built the same year by John and Henry Russ, who operated 
them until they were swept away in the freshet of 1820. 
Again rebuilt by the same parties, they were maintained 
under different owners for nearly half a century. The grist- 
mill was then destroyed by fire, and the saw-mill carried 
away by water. In the year 1802, Ebenezer Jones built 
grist and saw-mills at the foot of the canal. The former was 
carried away by the freshet of 18 14, and the latter by the 
freshet of 1820. These mills were supplied with water by a 
canal from the dam at the head of the falls. No mills have 
since been built upon this site. 

The first saw and grist-mills on the Farmington side of 
the Wilson stream at North Chesterville were erected in 
1792, by Samuel Sewall, who operated thtm about four years 
and then sold to Rufus Davis, who subsequently disposed of 
them to Edward Lock. These mills were not permanently 
constructed, and went rapidly to decay during the ownership 
of Mr. Lock, The grist-mill was not replaced ; but several 



MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 26 1 

years later John Morrison and others rebuilt the saw-mill, 
which, with some temporary suspensions, has been main- 
tained to the present time. 

The saw-mill on this stream is now owned by Morrison 
and Sewall, who have introduced labor-saving machinery, 
which they are operating successfully. The first mills on 
the Fairbanks stream, were built in 1794, and owned by 
Jason D. Cony and Robert Jones, who also owned the privi- 
lege. They passed into the hands of Hartson Cony, in 
1797-98, who commenced digging the canal upon which the 
present mills at Fairbanks stand. A saw-mill frame, which 
he built on this canal, was swept away by a freshet, in the 
summer of 1799. Mr. Cony sold to John Patterson, who had 
just completed the saw and grist-mills when they were de- 
stroyed by fire, in the winter of 1801. 71ie privilege, and 
that portion of the mills left from the fire, were purchased 
by Col. Joseph Fairbanks. He completed the canal com- 
menced by Mr. Cony, and built a grist-mill, in 1807, and a 
saw-mill soon after, on the site where Fairbanks' Mills now 
stand. These mills have been in operation under different 
owners, since the time of their erection, and have always 
been liberally patronized. The present owner of the grist- 
mill is Enoch Staples, who brings into use all the modern 
improvements. George W. Ranger owns the saw-mill, and 
has introduced machinery for sawing shingles and manufact- 
uring short lumber. 

John Russ, having purchased the site at Farmington 
Falls, where Jeremiah Stinchfield's fulling-mill and David 
Morrill's carding-machine formerly stood, built an expensive 
saw-mill, which he operated a few years, when it passed into 
the hands of Francis Butler. During Mr. Butler's owner- 
ship it was .under the charge of Thomas Chase. In 1838, it 
was burned ; afterwards rebuilt, and two years later sold to 
William Whittier. It has since remained in the family, and 
is in successful operation to-day. 

In 1825, Gen. Nathaniel Russell erected a saw-mill upon 
the Temple Stream, in the western part of the town. This 
mill was in successful operation, under different owners, until 



34 



262 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

recently purchased by H. W. Priest, and converted into a 
manufactory of excelsior, etc. 

The saw-mill upon the east branch of the Fairbanks 
mill-stream was built by Alexander Hillman, in 1849, and has 
been operated in a limited way to the present time. The 
water-power at this point on the stream, had been previously 
utilized by Nathaniel Davis, to run a clover-mill, in which he 
lost his life, in 1842. The freshet of May 24, 1850, swept 
away this building and the dam with which it was connected. 

A steam saw-mill, situated near the eastern end of the 
Center bridge, and owned by Erasmus D. Prescott, was em- 
ployed for the manufacture of long timber, for several years. 
The enterprise did not prove a pecuniary success, and was 
abandoned. 

FULLING-MILLS. 

The first fulling-mill was built by William Allen, in 1793, 
on the Allen brook, so-called, in the northeast part of the 
town. He found, however, the water-power insufficient for 
his purpose, and removed his machinery to the Falls village, 
putting up a temporary mill in connection with one at that 
time owned by Jones and Knowlton. Mr. Allen abandoned 
the business soon after. 

In the latter part of the last century, Jonathan Knowlton 
built a fulling-mill at P'armington Falls, which was placed 
under the charge of Jeremiah Stinchfield, a young clothier 
who had recently come to the village. He was soon enabled 
to buy the mill (1799), which he enlarged and supplied with 
improved machinery. As this was the only fulling-mill in 
the region, Mr. Stinchfield conducted a large and profitable 
business until his death, March 15, 1824. At that time he 
was considered one of the wealthiest men in town. 

In 1 8 10, a fulling-mill was put in operation upon the 
P^airbanks stream, by the construction of a dam just below 
the site of the present mills. This mill was erected by 
P^noch Wood and Luke Perkins, of Winthrop, in connection 
with a carding-mill, built by Fben and John P. Shaw, of 
P'arminerton, 



MECHAiVICAL INDUSTRFES. 263 

This establishment was successfully conducted for many 
years, under different owners. Samuel Emery was a promi- 
nent operator in the fulling-mill, and Daniel Davis in the 
carding-mill. About 1840, the business was abandoned, 
and the buildings allowed to go to decay. Little remains to 
indicate the site where an important industry, with its hum 
of machinery, was once carried on. 

The first carding-mill was built at the Falls village, 
about 1800, by Blake and Morrill. It was purchased by John 
P. and Ebenezer Shaw, in 1804, and partially burned during 
their ownership. This property afterwards passed into the 
hands of David Morrill, who did «.n extensive and profitable 
business at the Falls, and afterwards on the Chesterville side 
of the river, whither he had removed the machinery. 

TANNERIES. 

Ebenezer Sweet, from Attleboro, Mass., was the first to 
begin the business of tanning leather (1785). His tannery 
was located at the center of the town, and was the first one 
this side of VVinthrop. Samuel Sewall began tanning soon 
after Mr. Sweet, on the Wilson Stream near North Chester- 
ville, and Samuel Poole, about the same time, built a tannery 
on the estate known as " Few-acres," and for several years 
did considerable business. In 1805, Hopkinson and Baker 
erected commodious buildings, with a large tan-yard, on 
river-lot No. 46, east side. Mr. Baker soon sold out his in- 
terest in the tannery and removed to Wilton, but Mr. Hop- 
kinson continued the business with success, and also engaged 
in the manufacture of boots and shoes. In 1818, he removed 
to Ohio, and Joseph Knowlton succeeded him, making im- 
provements and apparently doing well, until he. met with 
financial reverses, and, in 1842, removed to Lafayette, Ind., 
where his death occurred. The tanning of leather, at this 
place, has been suspended for many years, but the buildings 
are occupied by John T. Taylor, for pulling wool and tan- 
ning pelts. 

In 1805, P21ijah Butler constructed a tannery on his farm 
(now owned by S. Clifford Belcher), and carried on the busi- 



264 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON: 

ness several years. Afterwards it passed into the hands of 
his son, Winthrop Butler, who became a successful tanner. 
No business has been done here for fifty years, and nearly 
all traces of the yard are obliterated. 

Luther Townsend began business as a tanner at Fair- 
banks, in 18 10. His building stood upon the site formerly 
occupied by Jason D. Cony's grist-mill, and contained a bark- 
mill and such other apparatus as was necessary for the prose- 
cution of his trade. In the freshet of April 18, 1827, the 
dam connected with the tannery, together with the building, 
was swept away, and the tan-yard much injured. Mr. Town- 
send rebuilt his tannery, upon a large and improved scale, 
and was the first to introduce machinery and employ water- 
power in the various operations connected with the business. 
In earlier establishments, the motive power for grinding bark 
was a horse, whose hide was as well tanned during his suc- 
cessive revolutions as the leather in the pits. Mr. Townsend 
was succeeded by his son, Samuel O. Townsend, who as- 
sumed the management of the enterprise. The buildings 
have since been torn down, and the fact that a tannery once 
existed in this locality, is fast fading from the memory of the 
present generation. 

Joshua Adams, a native of Wales, did a good business 
tanning leather, at the Center Village, from 1828 until 1846. 
He also manufactured boots and shoes. After his removal 
to Wilton, he continued his trade profitably. 

Joseph E. Were, an Englishman by birth, a man of fine 
physique and gentlemanly bearing, who had passed through 
many of the institutions of learning in his native land, came 
in 1832 to Farmington Falls. He was regarded as a valua- 
ble acquisition to the fashionable society of that quiet hamlet, 
who supposed him to be very wealthy ; and his house became 
a favorite resort of the towns-people. He purchased a resi- 
dence upon the Farmington side of the river at the Falls, 
and constructed a tannery with commodious buildings, and a 
capacious yard on the Chesterville side. This establishment 
combined most of the labor-saving improvements of that 
day, with facilities for tanning in the winter as well as the 



MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 26$ 

summer season. He conducted the tannery on an extensive 
scale until the buildinj^s were destroyed by fire. After they 
were rebuilt, Mr. Were continued the business but a few 
years, as it soon became apparent that the Englishman was 
no match for the Yankee in financial operations. He dis- 
posed of his property and removed to Prince Edward Island, 
where the remainder of his life was spent. 

There was a tannery near Backus Corner, which was put 
into operation by Henry A. Brooks and Apollos Osgood, in 
1834. It was afterwards under the management of Charles 
Hutchins, who subsequently removed to Lewiston, and the 
establishment has not been used for tanning purposes for 
some ten years. 

During the years from 1850 to 1872, the business of tan- 
ning leather declined in Farmington, and until J. P. Thwing, 
of New Sharon, came to the place, very little was done in 
this line. In 1872, he erected a large tannery just east of 
the village, in which steam-power was introduced. A force 
of some twenty men was employed, and about 25,000 calf- 
skins tanned annually. Mr. Thwing successfully conducted 
his business, which has been among the prominent industries 
of the town, until 1884, when G. L. and A. S. Riggs, of 
Chesterville, purchased the tannery. Messrs. Riggs confine 
their ojDerations to tanning sheep skins. 

I SHOE-MAKING. 

During the first half-century after the settlement of the 
town, boots and shoes were generally made within its boun- 
daries, and shoe-shops were soon established at its different 
villages. In the early history of the town, and even within 
the memory of many now living, a practice prevailed of hav- 
ing the shoemaking and mending done at the home of the 
families in need of such work; and a class of workmen 
sometimes called cobblers, went from house to house with 
their kits of tools, making boots and shoes. These were the 
men who wrought : 

" From tough old hide 

Found in the pit 

When the tanner died." 



266 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

In later years, an entire change has been effected in the 
manufacture of boots and shoes. These articles are now 
made in other towns and cities, and are kept by merchants 
who supply the demand. Movements have been made from 
time to time to establish a shoe-factory in Farmington ; but 
all efforts in this direction thus far have resulted in failure. 

Among the earliest of the shoe-makers were Samuel 
Knowlton, Sr., Simeon Russ, Amos Flint, Ephraim Cowan, 
and Robert Pratt ; later, Ezra Gibson pursued this trade at 
Fairbanks, Francis Knowlton upon his farm, and Joshua 
Allen and Joshua Adams at the Center Village. In late 
years, Edward Skillings, L. B. Goodrich, and A. J. Bemis 
have been engaged in this business. 

BLACKSMITHING. 

Farmington from its first settlement has been liberally 
supplied with that class of mechanics who "smote the anvil," 
but their operations were generally confined to the routine of 
custom work. Prominent among the early blacksmiths were 
Peter Gay, at the northern part of the town ; John and John 
Church, Jr., Benjamin Heath, and Nathan Backus, at the 
Center Village ; Asahel and Jeremy Wyman and James 
Marvel, at West Farmington ; and John Young and David 
Dwinel at the Falls village. In the first decade of the 
century, Mr. Dwinel established a trip-hammer at his shop, 
which was in use until swept away by the great freshet of 
1820. The necessary information to speak in detail of this 
numerous class of mechanics, or with chronological order, is 
not available. 

HAT-MANUFACTURES. 

Hats were manufactured in Farmington as early as 1805 
by Robert Barker, who built a shop upon the site recently 
occupied by S. C. Burnham's dwelling-house. He pursued 
his vocation for some years, when the building passed to 
Samuel Belcher, who used it for a store. In 181 1 Christo- 
pher Atkinson, a hatter, erected a shop where A. W. F. ' 
Belcher's brick store stands, for the prosecution of his trade. 
He was succeeded by Coburn luiicrson, who manufactured 



MECHANICAL /NDUSTR/ES. 267 

hats until about 1825. The business was subsequently con- 
ducted by Wood and Bond, and later by Mr. Wood. The 
first hatter at the Falls village was Isaac Hibbard, who 
worked at his trade, with some interruptions and removals, 
for nearly forty years. Thomas Spooner also manufactured 
hats at the Falls for a short time about 1826, but afterwards 
removed to New Portland, where he died. 

CABINET AND CHAIR-MAKING. 

This industry, like others, is as old as the needs of the 
community, and was carried on extensively through many 
years. The early inhabitants were dependent on home 
manufactures for the furniture of their houses, as well as for 
other necessary conveniences, and for successive generations 
supplied their homes with the various articles made by their 
townsmen. These workmen received a large patronage from 
the surrounding towns, and as their work was executed in a 
superior manner, of durable material and strong construction, 
it was well fitted to withstand the usage of half a century or 
even more. Prominent among this class of mechanics were 
Lemuel Bursley and Dillingham and Fuller, at the P^alls ; 
Capt. Henry Stewart, A. H. Stewart, George T. Soule, and 
Levi M. Williams, at the Center Village ; and James Hersey 
and Daniel Stewart, at Backus Corner. 

CARRIAtiES AND SLEIGHS. 

The manufacture of these vehicles began with the advent 
of the present century. Though for many years conducted 
on a small scale, this industry has increased from year to 
year until it has assumed large proportions, and Farmington 
carriages, celebrated for their thorough construction and 
beauty of style, find a market in every county of the State. 
The sale in Aroostook County is particularly large. . Farm- 
ington may well be denominated the Amesbury of Maine. 
In treating of this industry, access has been had for statistics 
to an article published in the h'raiiklin Journal under date of 
Feb. 10, 1883, and the extent to which the manufacture 



268 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



of carriages and sleighs is carried on, together with the 
estimated amount of sales yearly, is tabulated from that 
paper : 





Carriages. 


Sleighs. 


Value. 


B. Goodwin, 


20 


15 


$3,500 


E. Knowlton, 


20 




2,000 


C. F. Packard & Co., 


50 




7,000 


J. Knowlton & Son, 


100 




8,500 


A. Morrow, 


8 




2,100 


S. D. Knowlton, 


5° 




4,200 


I. W. Knowlton, 


145 


50 


i_q,ooo 


Lovejoy Bros., 


50 


20 


6,000 


J. K. Lovejoy, 


75 


5° 


6,000 


H. C. Barnard, 


15 




1,500 


I. R. Wright, 


15 




1,200 


A. E. Knowles, 


40 




4,000 


H. D. Hodgkins, 


12 




1,000 


B. F. Watson, 


50 




10,000 


S. Robbins, 


13 




1,000 


M. L. Alden, 


13 


15 


1,000 


B. Lowell, 


5° 




7,000 



726 



150 



.1,000 



Samuel Carvill has been omitted in the foregoing list. 
He began to make carriages and sleighs at Fairbanks nearly 
half a century ago, and may be regarded as the veteran in 
this industry. In connection with his soij, John H. Carvill, 
he still continues the business. 



POTTERIES. 

Early in the present century, Josiah Norcross established 
a pottery for the manufacture of earthenware at West Farm- 
ington, and carried on a large business. During the winter 
season he traveled through the neighboring towns, selling his 
wares to merchants and housewives. At his decease the 
business passed into the hands of his son, Matthias S. Nor- 
cross, who conducted it much as his father had done. He in 
turn was succeeded by his son, Matthias S. Norcross, Jr., 



MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 269 

who followed but a short time the vocation of his father and 
grandfather. The pottery was abandoned many years ago. 

CLOVER-MILLS. 

Previous to 1833 a clover-mill was put in successful oper- 
ation by Joseph Huse and Moses Craig upon the lower dam 
of the Fairbanks stream. The machinery was afterwards 
moved to the privilege on the Temple Stream near Mr. 
Craig's house, and employed for the same purpose several 
years. No use is made of this water-power at the present 
time. 

In 1843 Abiel Abbott, who resided at Temple, built a 
mill for the manufacture of starch from potatoes at West 
Farmington. This enterprise proved a profitable one until 
the potato-rot appeared, when it was abandoned, with some 
pecuniary loss. 

MACHINE-SHOPS. 

The first machine-shop at the Center Village was erected 
by Robinson A. Davis, who used steam as a motive power, 
and manufactured doors, sashes, blinds, etc. He did a large 
business for several years. 

• In 1 86 1 Alvan Neal, David McCleery, and Elbridge G. 
Craig as partners introduced steam-power into their machine- 
shop for the manufacture of doors, sashes, and blinds. A 
profitable business has been done in this shop under various 
partnerships. When Josiah T. Smart, the last proprietor, 
died (July 8th, 1882), the machinery was sold, and the build- 
ing finally converted into a dwelling-house. 

Prescott and Bixby established a machine-shop with 
steam-power at the Center Village in 1883. This firm is 
doing a large and profitable business in the manufacture of 
lumber and general job-work. 

In 1869 Leonard Atwood erected at the Falls village a 
large and expensive building, known as the " Franklin Mill," 
designed for making pulp. V. H. Walker operated it but a 
few years before the water-power proved insufficient, and the 
machinery was transferred to Liverniore Falls. The building 



35 



270 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

is occupied by J. W. H. Baker for the manufacture of excel- 
sior, and by B. F. Watson for sawing and planing lumber and 
making carriages. 

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING. 

William A. Dunn introduced the first printing-press in 
town in the autumn of 1831, from which he issued the Sandy 
River YeoDian, a very creditable newspaper, but its publica- 
tion ceased upon the completion of the first volume. Mr. 
Dunn was the editor and proprietor of the Yeoman, but was 
assisted in the editorial department by Mr. Hamlet Bates, 
afterwards for many years Judge of the Municipal Court in 
Chelsea, Mass. The Yeoman was an exponent of the prin- 
ciples of the Democratic party. 

Mr. Josiah S. Swift may be regarded as the father of jour- 
nalism in Franklin County. Previous to 1840, Mr. Swift 
had conducted the publication of the Inqitirer, a newspaper 
printed at Bath. Soon after the organization of the County 
of Franklin, Mr. Swift removed his press and printing mate- 
rial to this town, and began the publication of the newspaper 
known as the Franklin Register, the first number of which 
was issued Jan. 31, 1840. The Register was a Democratic 
organ, and possessed much editorial merit. Mr. Swift con- 
tinued the publication of the Register as its editor and pro- 
prietor until Dec. 26, 1844, when it became merged in the 
Chronicle, the first number of which was issued Jan. 11, 1845, 
and its publication has continued without interruption to the 
present time. It was independent in politics, and so contin- 
ued until about 1854, when, upon the organization of the 
Republican party, it became one of the organs of that party, 
with which it has since been identified. The Chronicle has 
kept abreast of the times in securing most of the improve- 
ments in printing material, having discarded some years 
since the old " hand-press," and supplied its place with the 
improved "power-press." The Chronicle now (1884) is in its 
forty-fifth volume, and greets a weekly list of some two 
thousand subscribers. The editorial chair of this paper has 
been occupied during its publication by J. S. Swift, John V. 



MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 2/1 

Spra.uuc, Lucien N. Prescott, Andrew C. Phillips, A. H. S. 
Davis, and Charles W. Keyes. 

In 1858 Mr. Eben F. Pillsbury began the publication of 
the newspaper known as the Franklin Patriot in connection 
with H. B. Stetson of Lewiston, and the first number was 
issued Jan. 29, 1858. This journal was printed at Lewiston 
for some two years, when Mr. Pillsbury purchased a new 
printing-press and material, and the Patriot was thereafter 
printed at Farmington, under the editorial charge and man- 
agement of Linscott and Pillsbury, who had previously been 
associated as partners in the practice of law. This firm con- 
tinued the publication of the Patriot as a Democratic organ 
until 1864, when they leased the establishment to Mr. 
Leander B. Brown, who continued its publication for about a 
year, when the presses and type were sold and moved to 
Augusta, and the Patriot discontinued. 

In April, 1880, Mr. W. D. Chase began the publication of 
the Farmington Herald, a Greenback newspaper, the press 
and type being owned by a stock company. Mr. Chase con- 
tinued the editor and manager of the Herald until September, 
1880, when Mr. F. D. Whiting assumed the management of 
the paper, made it a Democratic organ, and continued in the 
editorial chair until the autumn of 1882, when the Herald 
became merged in the Franklin Journal, an independent 
paper, published by the Journal Newspaper Company and 
edited by Henry P. White and D. H. Knowlton, the press- 
work being done by Knowlton, McLeary, and Co. 

In 1 87 1 Mr. D. H. Knowlton purchased a small printing 
establishment, consisting of a Gordon Franklin Job Press 
and several founts of type and other printing material. P'or 
the first year he rented a small office just south of Belcher's 
Block. Here he began the publication and printing business 
that has since grown into a large establishment, now known 
under the firm name of Knowlton, McLeary, and Co. They 
now have four printing-presses, run by a Baxter steam- 
engine, with other machinery and a large variety of type and 
other material. The excellent typographical appearance of 
this volume bears witness of the work from their presses, 



272 HISTORY OF FARMTNGTON. 

under the skillful manipulation of Mr. F. E. McLeary, of the 
firm, who has the charge of the mechanical part of the 
business. The establishment gives employment to from six 
to ten persons. 

The publications of Knowlton, McLeary, and Co. are 
mostly of an educational character, consisting of school 
cards, topical questions, and the School IVoi'/d, a monthly 
publication intended mainly for supplementary reading in 
schools. It is very neatly printed, well illustrated, and is 
largely made up of original articles. It has a circulation in 
twenty-six States, and is very popular with teachers and 
pupils wherever used. 

Mr. R. A. Merrow, in the autumn of 1880, started the 
Independent, a four-page monthly issue, which was very 
favorably received by the reading public and deservedly 
popular. Its racy articles and typographical execution were 
excellent. 

There have been other publications which have survived 
for a longer or shorter time and then discontinued. Mr. 
J. S. Swift about 1842 published for six months the Sandy 
River Farmer, a small agricultural paper, which was after- 
wards merged in the Franklin Register. Mr. Swift also 
edited and published in 1847 a monthly religious journal, 
known as the Baptist Expositor, and in 1861 Mr. Swift started 
the County Record, an independent journal, which subse- 
quently was merged in the CJironicle. In 1865 Mr. George 
M. Gage, the Principal of the Normal School, issued the 
Normal one year, which was a work of considerable literary 
merit. The Little Bine Bell was published for a time by the 
boys connected with the Little Blue Family School, and the 
HigJi School Solecism by the advanced class connected with 
the High School. 

FISHING-RODS. 

At the International Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, 
a medal and diploma were awarded Charles E. Wheeler, of 
Farmington, for his split-bamboo fishing-rods. Their manu- 
facture was commenced by Mr. Wheeler in 1868, and is con- 



MECHANICAL INDUSTRfES. 2/3 

tinued at the present time. The latest improved machinery 
is used, some of which is of his own design and invention. 
He employs from six to eight men, and uses steam as a 
motive power. These rods are beautiful in finish and richly 
ornamented. Some are made which retail as high as $50 at 
the shop, but his sales, which sometimes have reached $5000 
annually, are generally to the trade in the cities of Boston, 
New York, Cincinnati, and Chicago. He is the only manu- 
facturer of this kind of rods in the State. 

EAR-PROTECTORS. 

An interesting and important industry at West Farming- 
ton is the manufacture of Greenwood's Champion Ear-Pro- 
tector. The building now occupied for this purpose contains 
eighteen different machines run by steam-power, all of which 
were designed for the special work here performed. Chester 
Greenwood, the inventor and proprietor of this machinery, 
began to manufacture the ear-protector in 1877, under letters 
patent granted to him as patentee. Through his genius and 
perseverance a business has been established which is rapidly 
increasing, and his sales of the novel article, which are 
largest in the West, have touched thirty thousand annually. 

CORN-CANNING. 

A factory for canning sweet-corn, erected near the east- 
ern end of the Center bridge by J. Winslow Jones in 1869, 
has been operated with varying success to the present time. 
Within a few years the canning of other vegetables has been 
introduced in this factory. 

J. F. Gerry and W. R. Cothren embarked in the corn- 
canning industry upon the farm of the latter in 1877. With- 
in a year Mr. Gerry was succeeded by Hiram Titcomb, who 
subsequently bought out the remaining partner, and now 
conducts the business alone. In 1884 the amount of corn 
put up was fifty thousand cans. 

In January, 1881, J. H. Waugh, W. R. Cothren, and B. F. 
Williams began the erection of a corn-canning establishment, 
which was completed the following spring at a cost of $6qoo 



274 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

for building and machinery. It is situated just above the 
Center Village, and is regarded as a profitable enterprise. 
5840,000 has been realized from sales in one season. In 
addition to corn, fruit and vegetables are also canned. 

WOOD-TURNING FACTORIES. 

Isaac B. Russell, Francis H. Russell, Hannibal Russell, 
James Russell, Elisha B. Estes, Edmund S. Larabee, Warren 
T. Larabee, and Benjamin M. Hardy, constituting the firm 
of Russell Bros., Estes, and Co., have recently erected near 
the Center Village a "wood-turning factory" of large propor- 
tions, costing some $3000. It will be furnished with a 
steam-engine of a hundred horse-power and all necessary 
machinery for the manufacture of all kinds of small wooden 
novelties. The firm also make large packing-boxes, and deal 
extensively in spool-stock and hardwood lumber. To aid in 
the enterprise, the citizens of the Center Village subscribed 
as a gift $3000. 

At the Center Village, on the line of the Sandy River 
Railroad, R. A. Huse and Son have completed a factory 
building twenty-five feet wide by sixty feet long, and two 
stories high, which will be devoted to the manufacture of 
thread-spools, dowels, and other lathe-work. 

It will thus be seen that, while the mechanical industries 
of Farmington embrace a large variety of enterprises, it is 
not entitled to be ranked as a manufacturing town. While 
it has good available water-power, it can yet hardly hope to 
attain success in manufacturing while the towns of Lewiston 
and Livermore, with their unsurpassed privileges, are so 
near neiffhbors. 



CHAPTER XV. 

SKETCHES OF LAWYERS, PHYSICIANS, AND COLLEGE 
GRADUATES. 

Henry V. Chamberlain. — Nathan Cutler.— Zachariah Soule. — Elnathan 
Pope. — Hiram Helcher. — Robert Goodenow. — John L. Cutlef. — Joshua 
Randall. — Simeon H. Lowell.— Present Lawyers. — Dr. Aaron Stoyell. — 
Dr. Samuel Guild. — Dr. T. D. Blake. — Dr. Ebenezer Taylor. — Dr. Josiah 
Prescott. — Dr. Thoma.s Flint.— Dr. Allen Phillips. — Dr. Lafayette Per- 
kins. — Dr. J. F. Moses. — Dr. William C. Staples. — Dr. Jophanus Hen- 
derson. — Dr. William Randall. — Dr. J. L. Blake. — Dr. Edmund Russell. 
— Dr. Charles Alexander. — Dr. H. W. Hamilton.— Dr. J. B. Severy. — 
Dr. S. P. Warren. — Physicians in Practice in 1885. — List of College 
Graduates. 

Henry Vassal Chamberlain, a native of Worcester, 
Mass., was the first lawyer who settled in Farmington. He 
was a man of liberal education, a well-read lawyer, and an 
able advocate. He commenced practice in 1800, and in 1808 
removed to New Orleans, La., where he acquired distinction 
in the law, and was promoted to the judgeship of one of the 
Louisiana courts. 

Nathan Cutler graduated from Dartmouth College in 
the class of 1794. After his graduation he was employed as 
preceptor of the Academy at Northampton, Mass. '^ This 
position he held for a number of years, but finally left teach- 
ing to begin the study of law. He pursued his studies in a 
law-office, and was admitted to the bar in 180L Having 
married at Weston, Mass., he came to Farmington in 1804 
for the purpose of {)racticing his profession. He first opened 
an office at h^irmington Falls, but soon removed to the 



276 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Center Village, where he spent the rest of his life. Mr. 
Cutler possessed an intellect of a high order combined with 
quick perception, and, having an uncommon grasp of legal 
principles, he soon attained a high standing at the bar. His 
tastes were scholarly ; he was a great reader, and always 
made some book the companion of his leisure hours. He 
maintained an interest in classical studies to the close of his 
life. His library was stored with quaint and curious books, 
and was particularly rich in the editions of the classics. 
Having himself the advantages of a liberal education, it was 
his desire to secure these advantages to his children. He 
was one of the founders of the Farmington Academy and a 
member of the charter board of trustees, a position he held 
until his death, at the same time serving as treasurer of the 
corporation. He was elected town treasurer in 181 1 and the 
three succeeding years, and town clerk in 1820. In 18 10 he 
represented the town in the General Court as a colleague of 
Joseph Norton, in 181 1 as a colleague of Timothy Johnson, 
and in 18 19 as a colleague of Joseph Fairbanks. He was 
elected with Jabez Gay as a delegate to the Constitutional 
Convention which met .at Portland the second Monday in 
October, 18 19; and after the formation of the State, repre- 
sented the Kennebec Senatorial District as a Democrat in 
the Legislatures of 1828-29. The latter year he was chosen 
the presiding officer of the Senate, and upon the death of 
Gov. Lincoln, in October, 1829, was called to discharge the 
duties of Governor until the inauguration of Jonathan G. 
Huntoon, in February, 1830. Upon the organization of 
Franklin County, in 1838, he was elected treasurer, and was 
re-elected until 1842. During the last years of his life, Mr. 
Cutler's health was seriously impaired, and he relinquished 
the active practice of his profession as early as 1832, being 
succeeded by his son-in-law, Robert Goodenow. He lived, 
however, to an advanced age, and died June 8, 1861. 

Zachariah Soule, the third lawyer in Farmington in 
point of time, was a graduate of Brown University, of the 
class of 1799, and began practice in Paris in 1805, but re- 
moved to Farmington two years later, where he remained 



LAWYERS. 277 

until 1812. Although but a short time resident in the town, 
he established a lucrative business, and showed himself a 
ripe scholar and eloquent advocate. He possessed talents 
far above mediocrity. 

Elnathan Pope, after receiving a liberal education, 
opened an office at Farmington Falls in 1809, and received a 
good degree of patronage until 1828, when he became a 
resident of New Sharon. He still continued the practice of 
law alone and as the partner of Oliver L. Currier. Subse- 
quently Mr. Pope withdrew to the Samuel Ingham farm, so 
called, in Avon, and became interested in farming. He died 
in Chesterville, April 7, 1 861, at the age of eighty. 

HiKAM Belcher was among the most worthy and hon- 
ored members of the Franklin and Kennebec Bars. He was 
the youngest son of Supply Belcher, who, at the time of his 
son's birth, was a resident of Augusta, but afterwards be- 
came one of the pioneer settlers of Farmington. Here 
Hiram Belcher's early and latter days were spent. At the 
age of fifteen he obtained the consent of his father to attend 
some seminary of learning with a view to pursuing the study 
of the law, and entered Hallowell Academy, then under the 
instruction of William Kinne, where he attained the first 
rank in his class among competitors who were afterwards 
renowned as ripe scholars. After completing his academical 
studies, in 1807 he commenced the study of law in the office 
of Hon. Nathan Cutler, remaining there two years. He 
afterwards spent two years in the office of Samuel S. Wilde, 
who subsequently became a distinguished Judge of the 
Supreme Court of Massachusetts. In 18 12 Mr. Belcher was 
admitted to the bar in Kennebec County well prepared to 
enter upon the work of his life, and established himself at 
Farmington, where he at once entered upon a lucrative and 
extensive practice, and soon ranked among the best lawyers 
in the State. He was a good counselor, a successful advo- 
cate, and above all an honest man. Many anecdotes are told 
of his amusing and quiet sallies of wit and dry humor. Mr. 
Belcher was town clerk from 18 14 to 18 19 inclusive, repre- 
sented the town in the Legislatures of 1822, 1829, and 1832, 

36 



278 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

and the Kennebec District in the Senate in 1838-9. In 
1846 Mr. Belcher was elected Representative to Congress, 
serving one term during the last half of President Polk's 
administration. Pie united with the Congregational Church 
in 1828, and at all times manifested great interest in the 
prosperity of that organization. Esteemed by all who knew 
him, he died in the midst of an honored career. May 6, 1857, 
at the age of sixty-seven. 

Robert Goodenow. The life of Hon. Robert Goodenow, 
like that of many others whose reputations are founded upon 
success in the practice of law, presents no events of promi- 
nent or startling interest. That success was the result of no 
single achievement, but of a life marked by industry, integ- 
rity, and fidelity. lie was born at Henniker, N. H., April 
19, 1800, was the son of a farmer, and the youngest of five 
brothers, all of whom in early life were trained to the pur- 
suits of agriculture, but who ultimately became lawyers. 
Mr. Goodenow lived at home until fifteen years of age, when 
he went to Sanford, Me., for the purpose of perfecting his 
education, and remained two years. He then commenced 
the study of medicine, but, being called to Paris to take 
charge of the clerk of courts' office (his brother, Rufus King 
Goodenow, who was clerk, being sick), he decided to study 
law, and entered the office of Enoch Lincoln, afterwards 
Governor, as a student. In 1822 he was admitted to the bar 
in Oxford County, but his professional career as a lawyer 
commenced in Wilton. In 1832 he removed to Farmington, 
and at once entered upon a large and successful practice. 

Mr. Goodenow was county attorney for Kennebec County 
several years, and was elected to the thirty-second Congress, 
being the last Whig member from the Second District. He 
served as bank commissioner from 1858 to 1862, and was 
also treasurer of the Franklin County Savings Bank from the 
date of its organization until his death. May 15, 1874. Mr. 
Goodenow possessed an extensive law library, was a close 
student, and was distinguished for his knowledge of the 
elements of the law. He always took an active interest in 
the affairs of his church and a prominent j^art in its councils. 



LAIVVERS. 279 

John L. Cutler, a son of Hon. Nathan Cutler, fitted for 
college at the Farmington Academy, and graduated at Bow- 
doin College in the class of 1837. He entered the law office 
of his father, was admitted to the bar in 1839, and com- 
menced the practice of law under auspicious circumstances. 
He was regarded as a rising young lawyer, familiar with the 
principles and practice of his profession. In 1853 Mr. 
Cutler was elected senator from Franklin County, having 
previously served as its attorney. In 1854 he removed to 
Augusta, and continued his professional business in connec- 
tion with other pursuits. Subsequently, about the year 
1867, he purchased a cotton plantation in southwestern 
Georgia, and has since made his home there a portion of the 
year. 

Joshua Randall was a native of Wilton and a son of 
Joshua Randall, Sr. After a thorough course of legal study, 
he opened an office in Phillips about 1828. For several 
years he had a successful practice, although, owing to his 
location, not an extensive one. He came to Farmington in 
1 84 1, and continued his professional career until 1848, when 
he removed to Dixfield and became associated with his 
brother, Isaac Randall, for a short time. He died suddenly 
from an affection of the heart. Mr. Randall possessed a legal 
mind, and was a fair advocate. His addresses to the jury 
were brief, direct, and devoid of all metaphorical display. 

Simeon H. Lowell, a son of Joshua B. Lowell, was born 
in Chesterville, August 16, 18 16. He was educated at 
Waterville College, now Colby University, and studied law 
with his cousin, Joshua A. Lowell, in East Machias. In 
partnership with him, he began the practice of his profession, 
after being admitted to the bar in Washington County, 
August 28, 1843. In 1854 he removed to Phillips, and was 
in active practice there until elected clerk of courts in 1861, 
an office he held until 1874. He then resumed the practice 
of law in Farmington, which he continued with success until 
near the close of his life. Mr. Lowell was a safe counselor 
and adviser, and an excellent lawyer, being most exact and 
methodical in his business. 



28o HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

The lawyers in practice at Farmington in 1885 are: 
Samuel Belcher, Hannibal Belcher, Henry L. Whitcomb, S. 
Clifford Belcher, David H. Chandler, Joseph C. Holman, 
Enoch O. Greenleaf, Elmer E. Richards, and Arthur F. 
Belcher. 

The first physician who made the profession of medicine 
a regular business in Farmington, was Theophilus Hopkins. 
He settled on the farm since known as the Dea. John Bailey 
place, and gave his undivided attention to his practice. He 
remained in town but a few years, and his subsequent history 
is unknown. , 

Dr. Aaron Stoyell, the second physician in Farmington, 
settled at the Center Village in 1794. He had previously 
studied medicine and practiced in the town of Northbridge, 
Ct., and soon established an extensive and almost exclusive 
practice in this and the surrounding towns, being for many 
years the only prominent physician in the place. At one 
time he was associated in the practice of medicine with his 
son-in-law. Dr. Joseph Caldwell, who removed to Huron, O., 
about 1828. Dr. Stoyell was a man of good common sense, 
genial and affable in manner, and highly esteemed in the 
social circle, numbering among his patrons many warm 
friends. In 1832 he went to Ohio, where his death occurred 
from cholera the following year. 

Dr. Samuel Guild, who came to Farmington in 1796, re- 
mained but a brief period. He was regarded as a good 
physician, but was characterized by an aristocratic bearing 
which rendered him unpopular. 

Dr. Thomas Dawes Blake, a native of Boston, settled at 
the Falls village in 1799 as a physician. His youth was 
spent in Worcester attending that celebrated institute of 
learning under the charge of Dr. Payson, from which he 
graduated with the highest honors of his class. He became 
a successful school teacher, but taught only for a brief 
period, as his thoughts were fixed upon the profession of 
medicine, and to that end all his energies were directed. 
He had the advantage of a thorough medical training under 
Dr. Joseph Goldwait, a celebrated physician and surgeon of 



PHYSrCfANS. 281 

Petersham, N. H., with whom he practiced for a short time. 
The first winter of his residence in Farmington, he taught 
school in the Falls district, but ever after devoted himself 
to his profession, which extended over a period of forty 
years, and was eminently successful. Dr. Blake was a ripe 
scholar, and possessed those strong virtues acquired during 
the troublous times in which his early life was spent. 

Dr. Ebenezer Taylor removed to F"armington in 1804 
and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. 
He was regarded as a good physician and was well patronized, 
but soon left town. 

Dr. Josiah Prescott, a native of Winthrop, and a grad- 
uate of Dartmouth College in 18 10, completed his medical 
studies with Dr. Nathan Smith, then of Hanover, N. H. He 
came to Farmington in 18 12, and from the first was the recip- 
ient of a large patronage. After a residence of some twelve 
years, he removed to Belfast and introduced the water-cure 
treatment. In 1832 he returned to Farmington and became 
associated in the practice of medicine with Dr. Benjamin 
Ober. After a residence in Phillips, and then again in 
P'armington, he went to Winthrop and became connected 
with a Hydropathic establishment which was in successful 
operation several years under his skillful management. The 
latter years of his life were spent in Farmington. 

The foundations of Dr. Prescott's belief, that water is 
the great remedial agent for the "healing of the nations," 
were laid deep and strong, and nothing could shake his 
faith in the water-cure theory. Dr. Prescott stood in the 
front rank of his profession, as a physician, but was wanting 
in that tenacity of purpose so essential to complete success. 
He was inclined to embark in pursuits outside and foreign 
to his vocation, which were calculated to divert his mind 
from its professional channel. Dr. Prescott was chosen an 
elector of president and vice-president, in 1820, from the 
Kennebec district. At one time he was a member of the 
State Senate, and represented this town in the legislature of 
^^"hh where he inaugurated the measures which resulted in 
the erection of the Hospital for the Insane at Augusta. He 



282 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

was a delegate from this town to the convention which met 
at Brunswick in September, 1816. 

Dr. Thomas Flint, who had been in the practice of 
medicine for a period of thirty years in the town of New 
Vineyard, removed to North Farmington in 1826 and re- 
sumed his profession. Although his early advantages were 
limited, as compared with those of the present day, yet with 
sound judgment, keen observation, and the good common 
sense which no school can bestow, he acquired an honorable 
reputation as a physician and surgeon, while as a citizen 
and friend he won respect and affection for his intelligence 
and kindliness. In his later years, Dr. Flint became blind 
and was obliged to retire from active life. 

Dr. Allen Phillips, a native of Greene, prepared him- 
self for the medical profession under the direction of Dr. 
Holland of Canton. He graduated from the Medical Depart- 
ment of Bowdoin College in 1822, and the same year began 
practice at Strong. After a brief residence, he removed to 
Farmington Falls, and in 1829 to the Center Village. He 
was a man of sound and ready judgment, and was extensively 
employed as a physician in this and the surrounding towns. 
In 1856 he went West and settled in Dubuque, Iowa. Dr. 
Phillips was born June 29, 1798, and died October 9, 1878. 
His wife, Anna Croswell, was the sister of Thomas Croswell, 
Senior. 

Dr. Lafayette Perkins was educated in Boston and 
studied medicine with Dr. John Warren, receiving the degree 
of M. D. from Harvard Medical School. In 181 3 he received 
the appointment of surgeon on board the United States 
brig-of-war Argus. This brig made a daring cruise about 
the coast of England, capturing a number of British ships; 
and, sailing into the port of Nantes in France, remained 
sometime under the protection of the French flag. On 
the homeward voyage the brig captured two British merchant- 
men, which were sold and the proceeds divided — the surgeon 
receiving his share. Dr. Perkins first began the practice of 
his profession in Weld, in March, 181 5, and remained there 
until the spring of 1836, when he removed to Farmington 



PHYSICIANS. 283 

and continued his vocation till near the close of his life. 
He loved and faithfully studied his profession, was well-read 
in its theory, and his good judgment enabled him to adopt 
that practice best calculated to benefit his patients, while his 
dignified, gentle and courteous deportment was a part of the 
man and will long be remembered by his townsmen and 
patrons. Dr. Perkins represented the town of Weld in the 
Constitutional Convention which was convened at Portland 
in October, 18 19. 

Dr. John French Mose.s completed his medical studies 
at Concord, N. H., and came to Farmington in 1836, 
where, as a physician, he resided through an active profes- 
sional life, with the exception of a few years' practice in 
Strong. He represented the Eclectic School of physicians, 
and was popular as a practitioner. He died of apoplexy 
Nov. 15, 1869, at the age of fifty-two. 

Dr. W1LL14M Cole Staples began the Thompsonian 
practice of medicine in 1840. His patrons were generally 
among those who believed in that theory of healing diseases, 
and for a time his practice was large, but afterwards began 
to decline and he left town. 

Dr. Jophanus Henderson studied medicine with his 
father, and first commenced its practice in the town of Indus- 
try about 1828; but in 1841 he removed to P"armington, 
where he remained about eleven years. Dr. Henderson was a 
skillful practitioner, and a man of unexceptionable character. 
He was a zealous Baptist, and liberal in sustaining that 
church. He died in Somerville, Mass. 

Dr. Willlvm Randall came to Farmington in 1847 
and established himself as a surgeon dentist, being the first 
dentist in town. Dr. Randall was born in England, and was 
educated at the famous Eton School. He soon obtained a 
large practice, and was for many years the only dentist in 
the place. For some years he was president of the Maine 
Dental Association. Dr. Randall gradually abandoned den- 
tistry and began the study of medicine, and established him- 
self as a homoeopathic physician in Farmington about 1880. 
He is now practicing in Ashland. 



284 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Dr. John L. Blake completed his professional studies 
with Dr. Prescott, and in 181 5 settled in Dixfield. In 18 16 
he removed to Strong, and in 1822 to Phillips, where he 
purchased of Benjamin Tufts the farm and mills situated at 
what is known as the Upper Village. After thirty years of 
valuable service, as a physician there, he came to his native 
town, where the succeeding years were devoted to his pro- 
fession. Dr. IVlake was always ready and prompt to visit, 
without reward, the homes of the poor and suffering, however 
remote, and was highly esteemed for his professional skill. 
In the private walks of life he was respected for his kindli- 
ness and incorruptible integrity. 

Dr. Edmund Russell was born at Temple in the year 
1824. He pursued his professional studies with Dr. William 
Killbourne, graduated from the Bowdoin Medical School in 
1847, and the same year settled in Strong and entered upon 
the practice of his profession. He removed to P'armington 
in 1855, and remained about fourteen years. Dr. Russell 
represented this town in the legislature of 1868, and after 
his removal to Lewiston served as mayor of that city for 
three years. He was also a senator for two years from 
Androscoggin County. He possessed great energy of char- 
acter and tenacity of purpose, and was devoted to his 
profession. Dr. Russell died at Lewiston Dec. 20, 1880, 
leaving a large estate. 

Dr. Charles Alexander. Among those who have taken 
high rank in the medical profession at F'armington, may be 
mentioned Dr. Charles Alexander, a native of Dresden and 
at the present time a leading physician in PLau Claire, Wis. 
Upon deciding to adopt medicine as his vocation, he began 
his studies with Dr. William H. Allen of Orono, and grad- 
uated from the University of the City of New York, March 
8, 1850. In the summer of 1856, he began the practice of 
medicine in Farmington, having previously had professional 
experience in Orono and Unity. With sound judgment, 
keen observation, and manifest sympathy for the sick, he 
won an early popularity, and during his residence in Farm- 
ington achieved a well-earned success in his chosen pro- 



PHVS/C/ANS. 285 

fession. In 1862 Dr. Alexander received the appointment of 
surgeon in the i6th Regiment Maine Volunteers, and served 
with distinction in this capacity until honorably discharged 
a few months before the surrender of Gen. Lee. He was 
severely wounded at the battle of Gettysburg and incapaci- 
tated for field service seventy days, and during a part of this 
time he was a prisoner in the rebel lines. After a brief 
residence in Maiden, Mass., Dr. Alexander removed to Ivau 
Claire, in September, 1866. 

Dr. H. VV. Hamilton, a homoeopathic physician, came to 
Farmington about 1861, and was the first to introduce the 
homoeopathic school of medicine in the place. He was 
regarded as a very skillful practitioner, being especially suc- 
cessful in his treatment of diphtheria, a disease which raged 
in this region with great violence and fatality at that time. It 
is not known that one of his diphtheria patients died, while 
nearly all other cases were fatal. Dr. Hamilton removed to 
Bath in the fall of 1863, and left his practice to Dr. O. W. 
True, who still remains in town. 

Dr. James B. Severy was born in Dixfield, June 29, 1840, 
and received a common-school education. He first began 
the study of medicine in the office of Dr. G. L. Feaslee of 
Wilton, and later studied with Dr. Edmund Russell at Farm- 
ington. He pursued his studies further at the Portland School 
for Medical Instruction, and graduated at the Bowdoin Med- 
ical School in 1865. During the following winter he attended 
lectures at the Harvard Medical School, and the next year 
began the practice of his profession in Farmington. In the 
winter of 1868-9, Dr. Severy was demonstrator of anatomy 
at Brunswick, and in 1872 began to attend lectures at the 
Bellevue Medical College in New York City, graduating 
the following spring. Dr. Severy enjoyed an extensive and 
successful practice in Farmington for ten years, but his health 
proving inadequate to the arduous labor which it imposed, 
he began the study of law, and was admitted to the Franklin 
County Bar in September, 1876. Vox a time he was judge 
of the Municipal Court. In 1882, Judge Severy removed to 
Colorado Springs, where he is now practicing law. 



37 



286 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Dr. Stanley P. Warren, a native of Connecticut, and 
a graduate of Yale College of the class of 1869, began the 
practice of medicine at Farmington in 1876, having formerly 
practiced in Bridgeport, Conn. He was successful in obtain- 
ing a share of patronage, and was widely known as a popular 
physician. In 1880 he removed to Portland, where he now 
resides. 

The physicians practicing in Farmington are : Parmenas 
Dyer, John A. Richards, John N. Houghton, John J. Linscott, 
Frank H. Russell, Frank M. Robbins, allopathists ; Lucien 
B. Pillsbury, Austin Reynolds, P2benezer S. Johnson, eclectics ; 
Orville W. True, Franklin O. Lyford, Charles H. Oakes, 
homoeopathists ; E. C. Merrill, B. M. Hardy, dentists. 

The following list of college graduates is intended to 
include all persons born in Farmington who have received 
college degrees, and also all persons who were residents of 
Farmington at the time of their graduation. A number of 
other individuals who have been for a longer or shorter time 
members of various colleges, but who have failed to receive 
degrees, are not comprised in this list. 

Harrison Allen. Bowdoin College, 1824. See Genea- 
logical Register. 

Elbridge Gerry Cutler. Harvard College, 1834. See 
Gen. Reg. 

Samuel Phillips AiUiOTT. Bowdoin College, 1836. See 
Gen. Reg. 

Stephen Titcomb. Bowdoin College, 1836. See Gen. 
Reg. 

Clifford Belcher. Harvard College, 1837. See Gen. 
Reg. 

John Lewis Cutler. Bowdoin College, 1837. See 
Gen. Reg. 

Charles James Perkins. Bowdoin College, 1839. See 
Gen. Reg. 

Augustus Haines Titcomh. Bowdoin College, 1839. 
See Gen. Reg. 



COLLEGE GRADUATES. 28/ 

Alexander Hamilton Abbott. Bowdoin College, 1840. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Francis Dudley Ladd. Bowdoin College, 1841. Mr. 
Ladd was the son of Col. S. G. and Caroline Vinal Ladd, and 
was born in Hallowell, May, 1820. His father removed to 
Farmington in 1839, and remained a resident of the town 
until 1852. After graduation Mr. Ladd taught for one year, 
and then entered Bangor Theological Seminary, where he 
graduated in 1846. He was ordained as an evangelist at 
Farmington, and became pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
at Silver Lake, Penn. In 185 1 he was called to the Penn 
Church in Philadelphia, where he labored faithfully and 
earnestly. At the beginning of the War of the Rebellion he 
visited the army before Richmond, and was present at the 
battle of Fair Oaks. His labors were so arduous in relieving 
the sufferings of the wounded that the seeds of disease were 
sown in his system, which developed rapidly, and after a 
short illness he died, in July, 1862. His wife, who was a 
daughter of Dr. Robert H. Rose, of Silver Lake, Penn., as 
well as his only child, died some years before him. 

William Cothren. Bowdoin College, 1843. See Gen. 
Reg. 

Harrlson Gower. Brown University, 1846. See Gen. 
Reg. 

Horatio Quincy Butterfield. Harvard College, 1848. 
See Gen. Reg. 

John Wilson Allen. Wesleyan University, 1849. See 
Gen. Reg. 

George Augustus Perkins. Bowdoin College, 1849. 
See Gen. Reg. 

John Thomas Stanley. Bowdoin College, 1849. Mr. 
Stanley was the son of Samuel Stanley, and was born in 
Farmington, December, 1826. He fitted for college at the 
Farmington Academy, and after graduation at college re- 
moved to Texas. At one time he was an associate teacher 
in a college for young ladies at Chapel Hill in that State. 
The last years of his life were given to the practice of law. 
He died, unmarried, Oct. 23, 1868. 



288 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Charles Cothren. Bowdoin College, 1849. See Gen. 
Reg. 

Nathaniel Cothren. Bowdoin College, 1849. See 
Gen. Reg. 

Andrew Croswell Phillips. Colby University, 1849. 
He is the son of Dr. Allen and Annie C. Phillips, and was 
born in P^armington, March 24, 1830. In 1850 he was prin- 
cipal of North Anson Academy; in 185 i and 1852 principal 
of the Center Grammar School, Portland ; was a law student 
at New York Law School, and was admitted to practice in 
New York City in 1853. From 1854 to 1857 he practiced 
law at Prairie Dii Chien, Wis., and for three years was 
District Attorney. He returned to Maine on account of ill- 
health, practiced law at Phillips from 1858 to 1867, and was 
postmaster at Phillips from 1861 to 1868. He was county 
attorney from 1866 to 1869; editor of the Farviingtoii Chron- 
icle from 1 867 to 1 869 ; and U. S. Consul at P^ort Erie from 
1869 to 1881. In 1881 he settled at Sioux Falls, Dakota; 
was city attorney in 1882, in 1883 President of the Fire 
Insurance Company of Dakota, and in 1884 President of the 
Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Association. He married, 
Sept. 12, 1853, Imogene, daughter of B. F. Eastman, of 
Phillips. They have had ten children, of whom five are 
living. 

Jesse Franklin Butterfield. Bowdoin College, 1852. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Warren Johnson. Bowdoin College, 1854. Mr. John- 
son, the son of Epaphras and Ruth (Whittier) Johnson, was 
born in Farmington, December, 1831. Prof. Packard, in his 
History of Bowdoin College, says of him : " He gave himself 
to the cause of popular education as a teacher in school and 
academy ; tutor in the college, in a home school for lads in 
Topsham, as superintendent of the public schools of Maine, 
and for the last year of his life as supervisor of the sohools of 
Newton, Mass. He was of an active mind, energetic and 
enterprising, entering with zeal into his work, and exerting 
wide influence. His death was the result of a violent and 
distressing disease of several weeks' duration, April, 1877. 



COLLEGE GRADUATES. 289 

His remains were interred at Brunswick with testimonials of 
respect by the pubHc authorities of Newton, where he had 
just entered on his position vmder most flattering auspices, 
and of our own State, in which he left a name to be remem- 
bered. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Lemont, 
Esq., of Brunswick. They had no children." 

John Alexander McInto.sh. Bowdoin College, 1855. 
He was the son of William Mcintosh, and was born in 
Farmington, January, 183 1. After graduation he adopted 
the profession of a teacher, and for a time acceptably filled a 
tutorship in the College, and later had the charge of a young 
ladies' seminary in Berkshire Co., Mass. A tendency to 
pulmonary disease, which threatened his life while in college 
and had never been fully subdued, attacked him with renewed 
violence, and terminated fatally, December, i860. He mar- 
ried Harriet, daughter of Adam Lemont, Esq., of Brunswick, 
and left one son, now a practicing physician at Augusta. 

Seth Cornelius Burnham. Bowdoin College, 1855. 
Mr. Burnham was born March 20, 1833, and when a lad 
removed to Farmington with his father, Rev. Jonas Burn- 
ham. With the exception of a few years, he has always 
resided in town, and served as selectman in 1880. He 
married, Jan. i, 1879, Mary J., daughter of Ephraim Well- 
man, of this town. 

Charles TrrcoMB. Bowdoin College, 1855. See Gen. 
Reg. 

Franklin Carsley Davis. Bowdoin College, 1856. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Samuel Clifford Belcher. Bowdoin College, 1857. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Gustavus Augustus Stanley. Bowdoin College, 1857. 
He was born in Farmington, June, 1832. He entered the 
service in the late war as a commissary sergeant in an Illinois 
regiment, and became captain in the Second Maine Cavalry, 
serving in the department of the Gulf. He studied law, and 
prosecuted the profession in Tallahassee and subsequently in 
Pensacola, Fla. He died, unmarried, Jan. 16, 1884. 

Samuel Barrett Stewart. Bowdoin College, 1857. 
See Gen. Resr. 



290 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Francis Blunt Knowlton. Bowdoin College, 1858. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Charles Henry Butterfield. Bowdoin College, 1859. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Abner Harrison Davis. Bowdoin College, i860. He 
is the son of Abner and Harriet (Butterfield) Davis, and was 
born at Farmington, December, 1834. Since graduation he 
has devoted his life mainly to teaching, as classical instructor 
in the Chapman School, Boston ; principal of the High 
School at South Weymouth, Mass. ; usher in the Boston 
Latin School ; principal of the High School, Marlboro, Mass. ; 
and principal of the High School in Salem, Mass. He was 
admitted to the bar in Indiana, but after a time resumed the 
office of teacher as head-master of the High School at 
Worcester, Mass., and instructor in Greek and English liter- 
ature. He was also professor of the Latin language and 
literature in Bowdoin College one year. In 1876 he received 
the appointment of clerk of the U. S. Circuit Court of Maine, 
which position he still holds. In 1866 Mr. Davis married 
Mary Louisa, daughter of Eliphalet Merrill, Esq., of Portland, 
who died in 1880, leaving two sons and a daughter. 

Edward Abbott. New York University, i860. See 
Gen. Reg. 

George Fuller Gill. Dartmouth College, 1862. He 
is the son of Charles and Deborah (Belcher) Gill, and was 
born in Farmington, Feb. 5, 1843. Having studied medicine, 
he began the practice of his profession at St. Louis, Mo., 
where he now resides. 

William Ellsworth Green. Bowdoin College, 1863. 
See Gen. Reg. 

John Harrison Woods. Bowdoin College, 1864. See 
Gen. Reg. 

Elbridge Gerry Cutler. Harvard College, 1868. See 
Gen. Reg. 

Daniel Collamore Heath. Amherst College, 1868. 
Mr. Heath is the son of Col. Daniel Heath, and was born in 
1843. Upon graduation he entered Bangor Theological 
Seminary, but impaired health compelled him to relinquish 



COLLEGE GRADUATES. 29 1 

his intended profession. After a year spent in foreign travel, 
he entered the publishing house of Ginn Brothers in Boston 
and was soon admitted to the firm, with which he is still 
connected. He married, January, 1881, Mrs. Nelly Lloyd 
Knox, and has two children. 

David Hunter Knovvlton. Bowdoin College, 1869. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Edward Burhank Wkston. Bowdoin College, 1870. 
Mr. Weston is the son of Hon. E. P. Weston, formerly 
superintendent of schools for the State of Maine, and was 
born in Auburn, July 31, 1846, and removed to Farmington 
with his parents in 1865. After completing his college 
course, he adopted the profession of medicine, and graduated 
at the Rush Medical School at Chicago in 1873. He began 
practice at Lewiston, but subsequently removed to Highland 
Park, 111., where he now resides. Dr. Weston married, June 
9, 1874, Alice J., daughter of Rufus Brett of P'armington. 
lliey have had two children. 

P'rederic Eugene Whitney. Bowdoin College, 1873. 
He is the son of George W. and Violet (Haynes) Whitney, 
and was born in P'armington, Nov. 26, 1850. He fitted for 
college at the Waterville Classical Institute, and after grad- 
uation at college, adopted the profession of teaching. He 
was connected several years with the Boston public schools, 
and in 1878 received an appointment as professor of English 
literature in the government school at Tokio, Japan. Upon 
his return to this country, he began the stutly of law 
and is now in practice at Oakland, Cal. Mr. Whitney mar- 
ried, March 22, 1884, Edith, daughter of 'P. PI. Adams of 
Farmington. 

William Harrison Morrison. Tufts College, 1876. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Charles Franklin Thwing. Harvard College, 1876. 
Mr. Thwing was born in New Sharon, Nov. 9, 1853, and is 
the son of Joseph P. and Hannah M. ( Hopkins ) Thwing. 
He fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, where 
he graduated in 1871. After graduation he pursued the 
study of theology at Andover, and was ordained pastor of 



292 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

the North Avenue Congregational Church at Cambridge, 
Mass., Sept. 25, 1879, which position he still occupies. Mr. 
Thwing has contributed to the periodical press, and has 
published: American Colleges, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1878, 
and Tlie Reading of Books, Lee and Shepard, 1882. He is 
also an associate editor of the BibliotJieca Sacra. He married, 
Sept. 18, 1879, Carrie F., daughter of F. G. Butler of Farm- 
ington, and has one daughter. 

George William Reynolds. Amherst College, 1877. 
Mr. Reynolds is the son of Dr. Austin Reynolds, and jvas 
born at Sidney, Maine, June 6, 1852. After graduation he 
entered the Yale Divinity School, where he pursued the 
regular course preparatory to the ministry. He was ordained 
pastor of the Congregational Church at Stuart, Iowa, in 
1880, where he still remains. He married, Sept. 30, 1880, 
Katie E. Cragin of Colchester, Ct. 

Charles LaForest McCleery. Bates College, 1881. 
Mr. McCleery is the son of David and Mary ( Corbett ) 
McCleery, and was born July 23, 1854. After graduation he 
adopted the profession of journalism, and at present has 
charge of the interests of the Boston Journal in Maine, with 
residence at Portland. He married, Nov. 19, 1881, Charlotte 
Lyde, and has one child. 

Elmer Ellsworth Richards. Bates College, 1880. Mr. 
Richards is the son of Dr. John A. and Sophronia (Hillman) 
Richards, and was born in Strong, Aug. 24, i860, and re- 
moved to this town when a lad. Adopting the profession of 
law, he studied in the offices of J. B. Severy, Esq., and J. C. 
Holman, Esq., and spent one year at the Law School of 
Michigan L^niversity. He was appointed Register of Probate 
for Franklin County in 1883, and was elected to that office 
in 1884. He married, July 14, 1884, Mabel E., daughter of 
Frank J. and Achsah Austin of Farmington. 

Charles Herrick Cutler. Bowdoin College, 1881. 
See Gen. Reg. 

John Witham Nichols. Bowdoin College, 1881. Mr. 
Nichols is the son of Walter and Rose (Witham) Nichols, 
and was born at Searsport, Aug. 3, 1859, removing with his 



COLLEGE GRADUATES. 293 

parents to Farmington when a lad. He fitted for college at 
the Wendell Institute, and entered Bovvdoin College in 1876. 
Since graduation he has held a position at Minneapolis, 
Minn., under the Northern Pacific R. R., but is now (1885) 
studying law in Portland. 

Arthur Fuller Belcher. Bowdoin College, 1882. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Edmund Russell Richards. Bates College, 1882. Mr. 
Richards is the son of Dr. J. A. Richards of Farmington, 
and was born in Strong. Since his graduation he has edited 
the Wood River Nezvs-Miucr, at Hailey, Idaho. 

John Andrew Tuck. Iowa State University, 1883. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Lewis Whittier Craig. Wesleyan University, 1883. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Arthur Titcomb. Wesleyan University, 1884. See 
Gen. Reg. 

William Holley Cothren. Bowdoin College, 1884. 
See Gen. Reg. 

Frank N. Whittier, Harry Austin, Arthur W. Merrill, 
Oliver Sewall, and Charles J. Goodwin, are now members of 
Bowdoin College, and luioch W. Whitcomb is a member of 
Bates Colleji'e. 



38 



CHAPTER XVI. 

MERCHANTS AND STOKES. 

Early Traders. — Thomas Flint. — Whittier and Bishop. — Col. Daniel Keale. 

— David Moore. — Timothy and Thomas Johnson. — Col. Joseph Fair- 
banks. — Joseph Titcomb. — Clifford Belcher. — Merchants at Backus 
Corner. — Samuel Belcher. — Ebenezer Childs. — Thomas Croswell and 
Other Merchants at the Falls. — R.K.Lowell. — John Titcomb. — Isaac 
Tyler. — Asa Abbott. — Francis Butler. — Joseph Huse. — H. B. Stoyell. 

— Richard Hiscock. — Samuel F. Stoddard. — Leander Boardman. — 
Henry Nason. — A. W. F. Belcher.— H. W. Fairbanks.— F. S. and J. W. 
Fairbanks. — J. W. Perkins. — Gen. Samuel G. Ladd. — William T. 
Abbott. — Reuben Cutler. — Leonard Keith. — Edwin N. Stevens. — Philip 
M. Garcelon. — Andrew H. Bonney. — B. R. Elliott. — Richard S. Rice. — 
Henry M. Howes. — Samuel S. Hersey. — Joel Phinney. — Allen and Co. 

— Present Merchants. 

Farmington, from its <^"eographical position and the fact 
of its having been settled earlier than the surrounding 
towns, has always been an important place for the sale of 
merchandise, and its business men have drawn their patron- 
age from a large section of country. Merchants were • 
attracted hither as early as the first settlements were made, 
and the store has always been an important institution in 
town — more so formerly, perhaps, than at the present time. 
Here were assembled from all parts of the town, men who 
had a leisure hour, or who wished to spend a long winter 
evening or a stormy day in congenial society ; here were 
discussed, in a masterly manner, the weather, the crops, tlie 
markets, anil other topics of cuirent interest, wliilc politics 
and modes of faith were served by the more patriotic and 



MERCHANTS AND STORES. 295 

zealous as a part of the entertainment. The proprietor of 
the store, when he had leisure, would join in the discussion, 
giving his views upon the topics under consideration, and 
then dismiss his auditors, wishing them pleasant dreams 
after they had sought repose at their several homes. The 
merchant has always been an important personage in town, 
and has ever exercised a commanding influence in the affairs 
of church and state. During the period while the militia 
was in existence, the merchants were particularly active and 
held a large percentage of the military offices. During the 
winter season, in the early settlement of the township, 
peddlers, generally from Hallowell, brought merchandise 
to exchange with the settlers for grain and such other 
products as the latter had to spare. 

Dr. Thomas Flint, in 1792, opened a store in a small 
building which he erected upon the farm known as the Dea. 
John Bailey place, and continued to do a prosperous business 
for four years. He built the first potash in the township, on 
the Beaver-Dam brook, near the east end of the Center 
bridge. Contemporaneous with Dr. Flint, was Hartson Cony 
of Augusta, who opened a store in a part of Mr. Church's 
log-house in the winter of 1792. 

Thomas Whittier and Nathaniel Bishop, probably 
from Winthrop, built a store at the Falls village, upon the 
site of the old Indian fort, in 1796, and began trade on an 
extensive scale for those times. This firm continued in 
business until 1798, when they sold to Zachariah Butterfield, 
and he, in 1802, to Jonathan Russ, who did a large business 
for many years and was esteemed for honest dealings. Mr. 
Russ died upon his farm at New Sharon in 1822. 

Col. Daniel Beale began trade at the Falls village 
about 1797, where he did an extensive business, not only in 
the sale of general merchandise, but also in the manufacture 
of potash until 1820. In connection with his son, Daniel 
Beale, Jr., he again embarked in trade in 183 1, at the Center 
Village. He closed a successful mercantile career in 1850. 

David Moore was a native of Groton, Mass., where 
he was born, Jan. 29, 1767. Upon entering the State, he 



296 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

settled in Norridgewock and began trade alone, but subse- 
quently formed a co-partnership with that prince of country 
merchants, John Ware, which continued until 1799, when 
Mr. Moore sold his interest to his partner and came to 
Farmington. He first occupied a part of Mr. Church's 
dwelling-house as a store, but subsequently erected a house, 
in a portion of which he sold his goods. This was the third 
framed house built upon the site of the Center Village. Mr. 
Moore was engaged in a lucrative and prosperous business 
until 18 1 3. He was free from all assumption of superiority, 
honest in his dealings, and of a generous nature — traits 
which won him many friends. He died at New Orleans, 
Oct. 8, 181 5. Mrs. Moore (Elizabeth Tarbell) was born 
April 18, 1770, and died August 16, 1855. 

Timothy Johnson began trade about 1800, in partnership 
with his brother, Thomas Johnson. The firm erected a 
store upon the land now occupied by the stable connected 
with Hotel Marble, which was soon found too small to 
accommodate their increasing trade, and they erected another 
building just east, which was used as a store for many years. 
Thomas Johnson withdrew from the firm in 18 10, and Tim- 
othy Johnson continued in business, with some interruptions, 
either alone or as a partner of his brother Joseph, until 1840. 
In 181 1 Mr. Johnson represented the town in the Massa- 
chusetts Legislature, as the colleague of Nathan Cutler; in 
1 81 2, as the colleague of Leonard Merry. He was the 
first post-master after the removal of the post-office from 
West Farmington to the Center Village, and town clerk in 
1829-30-31-35. For many years he was a local Free Baptist 
preacher, and the first and only settled minister, made such 
by act of the town in its corporate capacity. 

Col. Joseph Fairbanks was a prominent merchant in 
town for many years. He first began trade at West Farm- 
ington as the partner of Leonard Merry, about 1800. Eight 
years later he removed to what is now Fairbanks, and again 
began the sale of merchandise, first in a part of his new 
grist-mill, and afterwards in a store erected on the land 
where E. S. Bragg's house now stands. In the freshet of 



MERCHANTS AND STORES. 297 

May 14, 1 8 14, Col. Fairbanks' mill and clam were carried 
away, and his goods much damaged by the water. He 
formed a partnership with his son, Joseph Fairbanks, Jr., 
in 1819, and the firm did a large business. In 1824 Col. 
Fairbanks sold his store to I'^rancis Butler, but did not close 
his trade at that time. Notwithstanding the diversified and 
extensive business operations carried on by him, the result 
was not a financial success. 

Joseph Titcomb, an early merchant in town, opened a 
store at the upper part of the Center Village, just south of 
the residence of the late Hiram Belcher, about the year 1803. 
He continued in trade until 1820, when his brother, John 
Titcomb, purchased his store and stock. In his business 
relations, Mr. Titcomb was a man of the strictest integrity, 
systematic and exact in his method of dealing. He was 
trained to habits of great thrift and industry, and was 
successful in all the interests in which he was concerned. 

Clifford Belcher in 1804 began trade in general 
merchandise, at the upper part of the Center Village, where 
the greater portion of the business of the place was then 
transacted. His store was situated just below Joseph Tit- 
comb's. He was a shrewd and sagacious merchant, actively 
engaged in business until near the time of his death. 

At what is now called Backus Corner, stores for the 
sale of merchandise were established early in the present 
century. Francis Norton opened the first store in 1804. 
Zenas Backus began trade about 1820, and continued to sell 
goods in a small way, with varying success, until near the 
close of his life. Other merchants are recollected as having 
done business at "The Corner" for a longer or shorter time, 
who may be mentioned without regard to their chronological 
order: Edward Butler, Samuel L. Jones, John Holley, Henry 
Johnson, Isaac Thomas, David Davis, Henry Cushman, John 
and Henry A. Brooks, and Nathaniel E. Wright. 

Samuel Belcher, one of Farmington's early merchants, 
was only in trade three years (1811-14), when his death 
occurred. Affable and cordial in his manner, he won an early 
popularity, and his store became a frequent resort of his 



298 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

neighbors and friends. John F. Perham subsequently pur- 
chased Mr. Belcher's store and converted it into a dwelling- 
house, which was burned Nov. 3, 1842. 

Capt. Ebenezer Childs' mercantile career commenced 
in 18 1 5 and continued about twenty years, when he became 
engaged in other pursuits and retired from business. His 
store stood upon the lot now occupied by L. G. Preston's 
dwelling-house. 

Thomas Croswell, after his removal to F"armington 
Falls in 18 16, opened a store and continued uninterruptedly 
in business for nearly half a century. He resided in town 
during a prolonged and useful mercantile life, enjoying the 
esteem and confidence of his townsmen in an unusual 
degree. He was for a few years associated with his nephew, 
Benjamin Sampson, who, after the dissolution of the partner- 
ship, went into business for himself. 

Henry Johnson, Samuel Webb, Joseph P. Dillingham, 
William Whittier, Alanson B. Caswell, Lemuel Bursley, Jr., 
Lendall Caswell, George W. Davis and others, have been 
in trade at the P'alls for longer or shorter periods, while 
Thomas and Andrew Croswell are doing an extensive busi- 
ness at the present time. 

RosAMUS K. Lowell from Thomaston, was engaged in 
trade at Farmington from 1817 to 1830. He occupied a 
large store which he erected upon the site where the Lake 
house now stands. Previous to the advent of Mr. Lowell, 
the practice among our merchants had been to sell goods 
largely upon credit, and consequently they charged large 
profits ; but he adopted the cash system, and proclaimed as 
his motto, which was strictly adhered to, — "Quick sales and 
small profits." The result was a large and lucrative business, 
but impaired heath soon compelled him to retire from active 
life. Mr. Lowell was a ripe scholar, attentive to business, 
and acquired a large estate. 

Joseph Johnson was a prominent merchant in town for 
nearly or quite a third of a century. He first began trade as 
the partner of his brother Timothy, and occupied a store 
which stood upon the site where Lyman G. Preston's 



MERCHANTS AND STORES. 299 

dwelling-house now stands. In 1821 Mr. Johnson erected 
the first store upon what is known as the " square," fronting 
Main St. He continued in trade, alone or as the partner of 
his son, Joseph S. Johnson, until 1849, when he retired from 
mercantile life. Mr. Johnson was kind and conciliatory in 
disposition, courteous in manners, and gracious and conde- 
scending to all with whom he had connection. 

John Titcomi;, as has been stated, succeeded his brother, 
Joseph Titcomb, making a specialty of drugs, medicines, 
paints, oils, etc. He remained at the old stand until 1828, 
when he moved his store to the site now occupied by the 
brick block of Dolbier and Pillsbury, on the east side of 
Main St. He retired from business in 1841. The old 
Titcomb store was burned in the fire of Sept. 23, 1875. 

Isaac Tvlek of Weston, Mass., erected a large store 
upon the lot where the brick mansion of D. W. Austin now 
stands, in 1820. He did a large and thriving business, a 
portion of the time as the partner of his brother-in-law. Rial 
Gleason, until 1835. ^"^^ store formerly occupied by Mr. 
Tyler was removed to the place where Daniel Beale's brick 
block now stands, and destroyed by fire August 7, 1850. 
Upon closing his mercantile life, he removed to a farm in 
Weld, but afterwards became again a resident of Farming- 
ton. Mr. Tyler was a man of strict integrity and diversified 
talents. Few indeed have possessed and more promj)tly 
exercised a keener perception of right and wrong, or were 
readier to commend the one or condemn the other. He 
represented the towns of I*"armington and Weld in the State 
Legislature, served the county as its clerk and one of its 
commissioners, and the town as its treasurer, clerk and 
selectman. His death occurred October 28, 1869, at the 
Hospital for the Insane at Augusta. 

Asa Ahijott was an active business man of Farmington 
from 1827 to 1 84 1, occupying a store which he had erected 
at the Center Village, and doing a profitable business. 

I'^KANcis BuTLEK bought the store of Col. Fairbanks in 
1S24, but he did not go into trade until the autumn of i8..'7, 
when he also purchasetl his stcjck of merchandise and 



300 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

entered upon a successful business career which was termi- 
nated October 24, 1832. William Reed, who entered into 
partnership with Joseph Huse in 1834, was his successor. 
This firm did a large business until 1838, when it w^as dis- 
solved. Mr. Reed removed to Hennepin, III, where he died, 
and Mr. Huse to Bath. 

Hiram B. Stoyell entered mercantile life at an early- 
age, and in 1829, after serving an apprenticeship in Rosamus 
K. Lowell's store, began business for himself. He erected 
a store, on the east side of Main St., upon the site where 
Mrs. S. S. Belcher's upper store now stands, and formed a 
co-partnership with his brother, John A. Stoyell. This firm 
continued in business six years and then dissolved, Leander 
Boardman purchasing their stock of goods. In 1837 Mr. 
Stoyell and his brother went to Sumpterville, Alabama, and 
after a two years' residence, in which they continued the 
sale of merchandise, they returned to Farmington and again 
embarked in trade. In 1842 the brick store known as the 
Stoyell store was built, and here they began the sale of goods 
on an extensive scale. In 1850 Mr. John A. Stoyell retired, 
and Mr. Hiram B. Stoyell continued the business alone or in 
company with Mr. Boardman until i860, when he too retired 
from active mercantile life. 

Richard Hiscock first began trade as the partner of 
Samuel F. Stoddard about 1833, but after the dissolution of 
the firm he purchased a wooden store which stood upon the 
site where the brick store occupied by Tarbox Brothers and 
owned by Dolbier and Pillsbury now stands. This store was 
burned in the great fire of August 7, 1850, and the following 
year he erected the brick store above mentioned. Mr. 
Hiscock continued a successful merchant until his death, 
Feb. 3, 1S59. He left a large estate. 

Samuel F. Stoddard, as has been stated, was associated 
in business with Richard Hiscock, but subsequently pur- 
chased of the Stoyell brothers a store t)n the east side of 
Main St., and continued the sale of merchandise alone. He 
was also engaged in farming and the manufacture of i)otash. 
In 1849 Mr. Stoddard erected the hotel so long and favorably 



MERCHANTS AND STORES. 301 

known as the "Stoddard House," of which he remained 
landlord twenty-eight years. He died April i, 1884. 

Leander Boardman's early life was spent in New 
Vineyard, his native town. After a brief residence at New 
Portland, in 1834 he removed to Farmington, where, as a 
farmer and merchant, he resided through the remainder of 
his life. In 1836 he exchanged his farm in the northeast 
part of the town, for a stock of merchandise, and soon 
became one of the leading merchants at the Center Village. 
He continued in business alone, as the partner of Isaac M. 
Cutler, and as a partner of Hiram B. Stoyell, until 1853, 
when he retired from mercantile life, having amassed a 
substantial property. He dealt largely in real estate, and in 
farm products. Mr. Boardman was a man of industrious 
habits, keen perception, and ready judgment. 

Henry Nason, son of Bartholomew Nason, came from 
Augusta and commenced business in a store situated where 
a portion of Knowlton's block now stands. He was an 
enterprising man and soon entered upon a successful career, 
selling some goods at wholesale. He found his store quite 
too small for his business, and in 1840 built the one now 
occupied by George W. Titcomb. He closed his business in 
March, 1845, and went to the City of New York, where he 
became a prominent wholesale merchant. 

Abraham W. F. Belcher began trade in 1838, in the 
brick store which stood where Belcher's block now is, and 
which was burned in 1875. In 1840 he added to his already 
large stock, drugs and medicines, and nine years later formed 
a partnership with Timothy F. Belcher. After a prosperous 
mercantile career of some eighteen years, he retired from 
active business life. Mr. Belcher has been a director of 
the Sandy River National Bank for many years. 

Horatio Wood Fairbanks opened the first hardware 
store in Farmington. He was the eldest son of Columbus 
Fairbanks, a life-long resident of Winthrop, and was born 
June 27, 181 7. From Hallowell, where he had served as a 
clerk in Gen. S. G. Ladd's hardware store, he came to Farm- 
ington in 1838, and established himself as a merchant. 



39 



302 m STORY OF FARMINGTON. 

June 12, 1839, he married Mary Caroline Ladd. He was 
attentive to business, honest and upright in his dealings, 
and soon secured a constantly increasing custom, but his 
mercantile career in the town, although prosperous, was 
short, for in 1842 he formed a partnership with John H. 
Eveleth to engage in the same business at Augusta. Some 
five years later he removed with his. family to Boston, and 
still continued in the hardware trade, although as a wholesale 
dealer. When failing health compelled him to retire from 
active life, he passed several years in the Sandwich Islands 
and California. His last days were spent in San Francisco, 
where he died August 4, 1856, leaving a wife and two 
daughters. 

Franklin T. Fairbanks, another son of Columbus Fair- 
banks, established a boot and shoe store in the town in 1841. 
He afterwards added other merchandise to his stock, and 
manufactured boots, shoes and caps. In the autumn of 
1844, he was joined by his younger brother, Joseph W. 
Fairbanks, who two years later became his successor, having 
acquired a thorough knowledge of the boot and shoe business 
during his clerkship. After a successful mercantile career 
alone, Joseph W. Fairbanks formed a partnership with 
Andrew Quinn of New Portland, and this firm, under the 
name of Fairbanks and Ouinn, was long known as dealers in 
boots, shoes, hats, caps, and furs. Mr. Fairbanks was after- 
wards associated with F. C. Belcher. He retired from 
business in 1878, being at that time the oldest merchant in 
Farmington, and a business man of strict integrity and 
sound judgment. With the monetary interests of the town, 
Mr. Fairbanks has been closely connected, and in his finan- 
cial qualifications the community place confidence. He is 
one of the original stockholders of the Sandy River National 
Bank," and from 1874 to 1878 held the office of president, 
performing its duties with efficiency and fidelity. A trustee 
of the Franklin County Savings Bank since its organization, 
he was elected president April 4, 1883. Mr. Fairbanks 
entered the Legislature in 1865 as a representative from 
Farmington, was re-elected the following year, and for the 



MERCHANTS AND STORES. 303 

two sucpeeding years was returned to the Senate. He was 
appointed Valuation Commissioner by Governor Davis in 
1880. 

John W. Perkins removed with his father's family from 
Weld to Farmington in the spring of 1836, and afterwards 
entered the drug store of his uncle, John Titcomb, as a clerk. 
In 1840 he purchased the stock of goods and commenced 
business for himself, which he conducted until his removal 
to Portland, in 1853, where he pursues a lucrative business 
under the firm name of J. W. Perkins and Co., wholesale 
druggists, and dealers in paints, oils, and dye-stuffs. 

Gen. Samuel G. Ladd began the sale of hardware, iron 
and. steel, at Hallowell early in the present century, and 
continued in business until 1839, when he removed to Farm- 
ington. In 1842 he purchased of his son-in-law, Horatio W. 
F'airbanks, a hardware stock, and again began trade, contin- 
uing in business until September, 185 1, when he sold to 
Edwin N. Stevens. About 1852, Gen. Ladd, with his family, 
removed to Pennsylvania, and he died in that State in 1863, 
aged seventy-nine. 

William T. Abbott was among the prominent and 
enterprising young merchants in Farmington in 1846. In 
the brick store erected by Samuel Belcher on the west side 
of Main St., he began the sale of general merchandise, 
which increased as time passed, bringing in large profits. 
Mr. Abbott liberally patronized the printer, and his adver- 
tisements in the local paper of that day, headed "Great 
Attractions at the Granite-PVont Store," received no little 
attention at the time, and are still remembered by the older 
citizens. In 1854 he removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., which 
has since been his home. 

Reuben Cutler, after receiving a good English educa- 
tion at the Academy, settled in Strong in 1843, where he 
began farming on an extended scale. His wife having died, 
he removed to Farmington in 1848, where he entered mer- 
cantile pursuits. He opened a store in the Center Village, 
at the same time devoting much time to the buying of wool 
and dealing in real estate, these two branches of his business 



304 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

finally employing his entire attention. In 1868 he purchased 
a large cotton plantation, together with all the personal 
property connected with it, in Baker Co., near Albany, Ga. 
The purchase of this property necessitated annual trips to 
the South, and Mr. Cutler frequently spent the fall and 
winter there. In October, 1882, he went South, and being 
prostrated by the unusual heat, succumbed to its effects, and 
died Nov. 21, 1882. 

Mr. Cutler was a man of genial, social qualities, of a 
generous and benevolent disposition, and his death left a 
marked void in the social and business circles in which he 
moved. He was elected deacon in the Congregational 
Church, April 30, 1859, ^'^ office he held until his death. 

For some years he served as one of the directors of the 
Androscoggin R. R., and was selectman in 1861 and 1862. 
At the organization of the Franklin County Savings Bank, 
he was chosen a director, and president of the Board of 
Trustees in 1871, a position he held through the remainder 
of his life. 

Leonard Keith acquired a thorough mercantile educa- 
tion in the store of Col. Daniel Beale, and in 1849 engaged 
in trade with Francis B. Field. At first the firm did busi- 
ness in the "Titcomb store," which stood upon the site 
where the brick store of Abbott Belcher now stands ; but, 
upon the completion of Beale's block in 185 1, they became 
the first occupants of the south store. In the spring of 
1854, Mr. Field died of small-pox in Boston, and Mr. Keith 
continued the business alone until his death. He was born 
in Chesterville, Nov. 16, 1823, and died Jan. 22, 1866. 

Edwin N. Stevens, son of Nathaniel Stevens of Hal- 
lowell, engaged in trade at Farmington, as the successor of 
Gen. Ladd, in September, 185 1. He opened his store with 
an extensive assortment of hardware, iron and steel, which 
was always maintained, and purchasers were sure to find 
goods as represented. Mr. Stevens continued in business 
until his death, which occurred Dec. 25, 1884. At that time 
he was the oldest merchant in town. 



MERCHANTS AND STORES. 305 

Philip M. Garcp:lon came to Farmington from the 
town of Webster, and c )mmenced trade in general merchan- 
dise October 6, 185 1. He first occupied the Stoyell store, 
but afterwards removed to No. 5 Knowlton Block, where he 
remained permanently. Mr. Garcelon devoted his energies 
exclusively to business, being instant in season and out of 
season, and conducting his large trade almost wholly alone. 
He died August 4, 1880. 

Andrew H. Bonney was engaged in trade at Phillips 
from 1833 to 1854, when he came to Farmington and rented 
the store of Leander Boardman (now owned by T. H. Adams), 
where he began the sale of general merchandise. After a 
few years he removed to the store of Hiram Belcher, which 
was partially destroyed by fire Dec. 29, 1859. M^"- Bonney 
lost his large stock of goods by the fire, but the following 
season resumed business under the patronage of his brother, 
James Bonney of Rockford, 111. Several years later his sons 
became interested in the business, and Mr. Bonney retired. 
The Bonney brothers are now carrying on an extensive 
flour, coal and grain trade, under the style of J. H. Bonney 
and Co. 

Benjamin R. Elliott, a native of New Portland, began 
trade in jewelry and silverware at the Center Village, in 
company with his brother-in-law, Ezra Staples, in the early 
part of 1855. Mr. Staples afterwards withdrew from the 
firm, and Mr. Elliott continued the business alone until 
1873, enjoying a liberal patronage. He removed to George- 
town, Col., where he now resides. Mr. Elliott served the 
town as clerk for four years, from 1859 to 1863 inclusive. 
Mr. Staples' death occurred at Temple, Feb. 23, 1885. 

Richard S. Rice was by trade a tailor, and first began 
business in the town of Wilton in 1855, where he remained 
about a year, and then came to Farmington, establishing 
himself as a merchant tailor in the store which stood where 
Mrs. S. S. Belcher's upper store now stands. He was 
regarded as an active and enterprising merchant, and during 
his brief business career won the favorable opinion of those 
with whom he was associated. 



3o6 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Henry M. Howes was a prominent merchant of Farm- 
ington from 1859 ^o 1872, when he removed to Portland and 
entered the wholesale flour and grain trade. He dealt in 
drugs, groceries and flour. During the latter part of his 
residence in town, J. C. Tarbox was associated with him, 
under the firm name of H. M. Howes and Co. 

Samuel S. Hersey of Hallowell, opened a store in 1864 
for the sale of stoves, tin and hardware, which was situated 
on the west side of Main St., and which was burned in the 
fire of Dec. 16, 1874. Mr. Hersey was a skillful mechanic, 
and his courteous bearing made him popular as a merchant. 
He acquired property during his residence in town, and in 
1875 removed to Auburn, where a good degree of prosperity 
has attended him. 

Joel Phinney was a merchant in the town of Weld 
from 1853 to 1 86 1. In 1864 he came to Farmington and 
became associated with Joseph R. Greenwood in the dry and 
fancy goods trade. The partnership was dissolved in 1867, 
and Mr. Phinney continued the business until his death. He 
was born in Weld, Feb. 25, 1823, and died Oct. 16, 1873. 
Mr. Greenwood removed to La Crosse, Wis., where he still 
resides. 

B. F. Haskell, John H. and Charles G. Allen, 
constituting the firm of Allen and Co., removed to Farming- 
ton from Brownfield in the spring of 1866, and purchased the 
stock of general merchandise left by Mr. Keith at his decease. 
The firm at once added largely to their stock, and soon 
entered upon an extensive business, gradually abandoning 
the grocery feature of their trade. They dealt in dry and 
fancy goods, and also in ready-made clothing, the most of 
which was manufactured in their store. John H. Allen 
subsequently retired, and H. L. Jones became a partner in 
the firm, which sold to Lincoln and Richards F"eb. 9, 1872. 
A large business in clothing and furnishing goods is now 
done by the firm of Allen and Co. in Portland, where they 
stand in the front rank of merchants. 

The following list includes the merchants in business at 
Farmington, Jan. i, 1885 : 



MERCHANTS AND STORES. 307 

CENTER VILLAGE. 

D. H. Knowlton, books, stationery, etc. 
A. S. Butterfield, boots, shoes, etc. 

F. C. Belcher, boots, shoes, etc. 

W. F. Belcher, clothing and furnishing goods. 
L. J. Lyons, clothing and furnishing goods. 
George B. Cragin, clothing and furnishing goods. 
W. E. Dresser, confectionery and canned goods. 
H. L. Emery, variety store. 

G. W. Titcomb, confectionery and variety store. 
M. L. Keith, confectionery, etc. 

P. W. Hubbard, drugs, medicines, etc. 
Tarbox Brothers, drugs, medicines, etc. 
H. Ramsdell, dry and fancy goods. 

H. H. Rice, dry and fancy goods. • 

Lincoln and Richards, dry and fancy goods, and ready- 
made clothing. 

T. H. Adams, furniture, crockery and carpeting. 
J. H. Bonney and Co., grain, flour, coal, and groceries. 
J. H. Waugh, groceries. 

E. Gerry, groceries. 
A. J. Odell, groceries. 
Tarbox Brothers, groceries. 

Edwin N. Stevens' Sons, hardware, iron and steel. 
E. G. Blake, jewelry and silverware. 
Russell and Priest, jewelry and silverware. 
Mrs. G. C. Stewart and Co., millinery and fancy goods. 
Mrs. M. J. Burns, millinery and fancy goods. 
C. A. Allen, music and musical instruments. 
L. A. Smith, music and musical instruments, and sewing- 
machines. 

L. G. Preston, provisions. 

Woodcock and Ames, provisions. 

A. J. Gerry, stoves, tin and hardware. 

Hardy and Fletcher, stoves, tin and hardware. 

Godfrey Gognoy and Son, stoves, tin and liardware. 

Byron P'arrar, harnesses, etc. 



308 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

FALLS VILLAGE. 

H. F. Walker, boots and shoes. 
O. P. Whittier, dry goods and groceries. 
T. and A. Croswell, general merchandise. 
C. A. Day, groceries and furnishing goods. 
Miss S. G. Croswell, millinery. 

WEST FARMINGTON. 

S. S. Locklin, drugs, medicines, etc. 
J. W. Hines, dry goods, groceries, etc. 
H. W. Lowell, dry goods, groceries, etc. 
T. McL. Davis, iron, steel, and groceries. 

FAIRBANKS. 

G. W. Ranger, general merchandise. 



TABLE OF INCIDENTS. 



A Table of Incidents of a Miscellaneous Character, Embracing Atmospheric 
Changes, Earliest and Latest Snovv-Stornis, Rainfalls, Frosts, Freshets, 
Fires, Casualties, Etc. 

Manv of the incidents mentioned in this chapter, will 
be found treated more at length in the body of this work, 
to which the reader is referred. 

1776. June. Stephen Titcomb, Robert Gower, James Henry, 

Robert Alexander, and James McDonald, from 
Topsham, first explore the valley of the Sandy 
River with a view to settlement. 

1777. Dec. 17. An association, afterwards known as 

" Reuben Colburn and his Associates," is formed 
at Hallowell for the exploration of the Sandy 
River Lower Township. 

1778. July 28. At a meeting of "Reuben Colburn and his 

Associates," they vote to open a road to the 
Temple Stream. 

1779. Oct. 4. At a meeting of " Reuben Colburn and his 

Associates," they vote to purchase of the proprie- 
tors of the Kennebec purchase, " the Sandy River 
Lower Township." 

1780. May 19. Very dark day. Lights necessary at two 

o'clock in the afternoon. 



L 



40 



3IO HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

June lo. Joseph North completes the survey of 
Sandy River Lower Township. 

Stewart Foster and Ephraim Allen, two hunters from 
Winthrop, spend the winter of this year in what is 
now Farmington, being the first white men to pass 
a winter in the valley of the Sandy River. 

1 78 1. April. First families move into the plantation. 
First saw-mill built. 

1782. Nov. 14. Stephen Titcond^, the first white child, is 

born in the township. 
First grist-mill in the township, built by Colburn and 
Pullen, on the Temple Stream. 
^I'^l)- J^i^- H- Samuel Knowlton, the second white child, 
is born in the township. 
August. Severe frost kills all the corn, making bread 

very scarce the next season. 
First sermon preached in the township, by Rev. 
Ezekiel Emerson of Georgetown. 

1784. Feb. 12. Prudence Butterfield, the first white girl, is 

born in the township. 
First marriage solemnized, the contracting parties 
being Joseph Battle and Eunice Maloon. 

1785. Oct. 22. First great freshet. Jonathan Knowlton, 

Jonas Butterfield, and Joseph Brown, with their 
families, are taken from their houses, which were 
surrounded by water during the night, and conveyed 
to a place of safety. 

1786. Sept. 15. William Thorn dies — the first death of an 

adult in the township. 

1787. July I. Intense cold. Ice is formed. 
Cold, unproductive year. 

1788. Solomon Adams' barn burns — the first barn burned 

in the plantation. 

Benjamin Jennings' log-house burns — the first dwell- 
ing-house burned in the plantation. 

Francis Tufts built the first mills at the Falls village. 

1789. September. A census of the settlers, together with 

the number of lots occupied and the quantity of 



TABLE OF INCIDENTS. 3 I I 

land under improvement, taken by Dummer Sewall, 
under the direction of the committee on eastern 
lands. 

1790. July 13. Susannah, daui^hter of Samuel Butterfield, 

dies, being the first death of an adult female. 
Town purchased of the State, by Dummer Sewall, 
Samuel Butterfield, and Francis Tufts. 

1 79 1. Nov. 14. Jacob hLaton drowned at the falls of St. 

John. 

1792. First store opened in the township by Thomas Flint. 

1793. March 29. Free-Will Baptist Church organized. 
June 28. Great hail-storm in the northeast portion 

of the plantation, partially destroying growing 
crops. 

Oct. 15. First Methodist sermon preached in the 
plantation by Jes^e Lee, at the house of Moses 
Starling. 

Post-office established. Moses Starling first post- 
master. 

1794. Feb. I. Town incorporated by the name of Farm- 

ington. 
June 16. Severe frost, killing all the corn on the 
low lands. 

1795. January. Winter freshet doing great damage at 

Hallowell, and breaking up the ice in the Sandy 
and Kennebec rivers. 

1796. June 10. Rev. Paul Cofifin, the Congregational mis- 

sionary, preaches his first sermon in the town, 
at the house of Mrs. Jacob Eaton. 

1797. Baptist Church organized with seven members. 

1798. Supply Belcher elected the first representative to the 

Massachusetts Legislature. 

1799. October. First military review, on Capt, Leonard 

Merry's interval, near West Farmington, 
Methodist meeting-house at the Falls village erected. 
Indian Pierpole and family bid adieu to Sandy River, 

never to return. 



312 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

1800. First attorney, Henry V. Chamberlain of Worcester, 

Mass., settles in Farmington. 
First social library in town established at the Falls 
village. 

1 80 1. April 21. The body of Mr. Washburne, who was 

drowned in the Sandy River, near the Center 
bridge, found on Samuel Butterfield's farm. 
The saw and grist-mill of John Patterson, which 
stood on the present site of the Fairbanks mills, 
burns during the winter. 

1802. Daniel and Ezekiel Webster visit Farmington. They 

are the guests of Moses Starling. 

1803. May 8.* Great snow-storm. 
Center Meeting-House is erected. 

1804. June 28. Elijah, son of Joseph Norton, is killed by a 

falling tree. 
Oct. 22. An unusual display of Aurora Borealis. 
Dysentery prevails with great fatality. 

1805. First bridge across the river opposite the Center 

Village begun. 

1806. June 16. Remarkable eclipse of the sun, which at 

Boston, and places further south, was total. Here 
a small portion of the sun's northern limb was 
visible at the time of its greatest obscuration. 

Sept. 10. Severe frost kills all the corn upon the 
low lands. 

Isaiah Webster, Jr., is drowned in Starling's mill-pond. 

1807. Feb. 13. Farmington Academy is incorporated. 

1808. Oct. 10. A very dark day, — the evening one of 
profound darkness. Many accidents occur. 

First bridge across the river at the Falls village is 
built. Bridge at Center Village is finished. 

1809. July II. Jonas Butterfield, a much respected citizen, 

is killed by lightning. 

1 8 10. Jan. 19. After a spell of moderate weather, a storm 

of snow commences from the northwest, with a 
tremendous gale and most intense cold. The 
change of temperature is so great as to cause many 



TAIiLE OF INCIDENTS. 313 

deaths on sea and land. This day is known as the 
"Cold Friday of 18 10." 
James Johnson's dwelling-house, which stood on the 
farm now owned by Leander A. Daggett, is burned. 

181 1. Sept. 2. Universalist Society formed with fifty mem- 

bers. 

During the whole autumn of this year, a brilliant 
comet can be seen in the northwest part of the 
heavens. Many regard it as the precursor of evil. 

First bridge across the river at Fairbanks erected. 

181 2. April 4. An embargo is again imposed upon Amer- 

ican shipping, and this, on the i8th of June, is 
followed by a declaration of war against Great 
Britain. 

1813. Jan. 29. The saw and grist-mill of Jonathan Russ, 

situated at the Falls village, is burned, and rebuilt 
the same year by his sons, John and Henry Russ. 

1814. May 4. Great fall of snow. 

Cold or typhus fever prevalent and very fatal. 
Troops called out in the autumn. 

Dec. 14. Congregational Church organized with 
twelve members. 

181 5. May 8. Great fall of snow. 

1 8 16. April 12. Great fall of snow, which makes good 

sleighing. 
June 6. A snow-storm, which chills and destroys 

martins and other birds, freezes the ground, cuts 

down corn and potatoes, and compels workmen to 

put on great coats and mittens. 
Frost in every month of this year. 

18 17. Feb. 14. Second cold Friday. Cold not quite as 

intense as in 18 10. 

181 8. Sept. 6. The barn of Benjamin Weathern, which 

stood on the farm now owned by E. R. Weathern, 
is struck by lightning and burned with all its 
contents. 
Sept. 6. Universalist Convention convenes at the 
Center Meetincr-House. 



314 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

1 8 19. March 25. Great snow-storm. Probably more snow 

fell at this time than has ever fallen during a single 
storm in this town since its settlement. The depth 
is estimated from three to three and one-half feet, 
and the surrounding country is blockaded for sev- 
eral days. The winter had been remarkable for 
the absence of snow up to the 26th of February, at 
which time sleighs had not been much in use. 
Oct. II. Constitutional Convention is held at Port- 
land. Nathan Cutler and Jabez Gay, delegates. 

1820. March 15. Maine becomes a State. 

April 3. Jabez Gay elected first representative to 
Maine Legislature. 

May 27. Six inches of snow falls. Apple-trees in 
full blossom much injured by the breaking down of 
their branches. ' 

Oct. 16. Second great freshet. 

1 82 1. Oct. 20. Great snow-storm. 

1822. November. Thomas W. Tobey is drowned by falling 

from the Center bridge. His body was found the 
following spring on the farm where Luther Gordon 
now resides. 
Maine Missionary Society convenes at Farmington. 

1823. Oct. 26. Great fall of snow, which did not go off till 

spring. Many potatoes remained in the ground all 
winter uninjured. 

1824. March 15. Death of two selectmen, Benjamin M. 

Belcher and Jeremiah Stinchfield. 
March 18. The valuable dwelling-house of Isaac 

Eaton is burned with most of its contents. 
May 21. Great snow-storm. 
Oct. 20. Charles G. Butler, a young man of much 

promise, is killed by the kick of a horse. 

1825. May 5. Great fall of snow. 
Prevalence of dysentery for a second time. 

1826. March 9. Ordination of Rev. Isaac Rogers. 
Union Meeting-House erected at Farmington Falls. 

1827. April 18. High freshet on the Sandy River and its 



TABLE OF INCIDENTS. 315 

tributaries. The dam across the Fairbanks mill- 
stream, together with Luther Townsend's bark-mill, 
swept away. 

May II. Great snow-storm. 

October. Brigade Muster on Enoch Craig's interval. 
Governor Lincoln with his staff in attendance. 
1828. March 20. Caleb Sprague is killed by a fall from his 
carriage. 

March 20. Samuel Lowell's house, on the west side 
of the river, burned with most of its contents. 
1S29. Jan. 2. First temperance society in town formed at 
Fairbanks village. Dr. Thomas Flint, president ; 
John Allen, secretary. 

1830. Feb. 27. Unitarian Church organized with twelve 

members. 
June 26. Orson W. Hinkley is drowned in the Sandy 
River near the Fairbanks bridge. 

1 83 1. May 5. Great snow-storm. 

June 14. Green peas served upon the table. 

Sept. 12. Col. Joseph Fairbanks is killed by falling 
from his carriage in the town of Augusta. 

Dec. 24. Capt. Sylvanus Davis instantly killed in 
his grist-mill. 

Dec. 30. Ebenezer Davis, his son, is killed by falling 
from the Center bridge. 

Great corn year. Very hot summer. 

Brick meeting-house at North Farmington erected. 

First newspaper, Sandy Kivcr Vcoviau, issued ; pub- 
lished for one year. 

1832. April 12. Death "at Bath of Dummer Sewall, one of 

the proprietors of the town, at the age of ninety- 
five. 
May I. Heavy snow-storm. 

1833. Nov. 4. Solomon Adams is killed by being thrown 

from his carriage in the town of Vienna. 

1834. May 15. Heavy fall of snow. 

1835. May 16. Heavy fall of snow. 
Free Baptist meeting-house erected. 



3l6 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

1836. Jan. 29. Death of Mrs. Dinah June at the age of 

one hundred and four. 
Oct. 12. Heavy fall of snow. 
Baptist meeting-house completed. 
Congregational meeting-house erected. 

1837. Jan. 25. Brilliant Aurora Borealis. The heavens 

appear to be on fire, tinging the snow with a crim- 
son color. 

January and February remarkable for extreme cold 
weather, furious storms, and deep snows. 

Congregational Church dedicated. 

1838. May 10. County of Franklin organized, with Farm- 

ington as its shire town. 
Oct. 31. Heavy fall of snow. 
December. Saw-mill situated at Falls village and 

owned by Francis Butler, is destroyed by fire. 

1839. Jan. 26. After extreme cold weather, a southeast 

storm of wind and rain carries off the snow, causing 
a high freshet. Many sheds and chimneys are 
blown down, and the superstructure of Fairbanks 
bridge blown from its foundations and carried down 
the river. 
March. A draft is made from the companies of 
infantry and artillery in town, and the men required 
to hold themselves in readiness to serve in the 
" Aroostook War." 

1840. Jan. II. First number of the Franklin Register 

issued by J. S. Swift. 
June 10. First meeting of the Franklin Agricultural 

Society. 
July 4. Democratic celebration. Gen. Wyman B. S. 

Moore of Waterville orator of the day. 
Oct. 9-10. First cattle show and fair. Address by 

Dr. James Bates of Norridgewock. 
October. Liberty-pole erected by the Whig party. 

1 84 1. January. Very mild. Mercury below zero two days 

only during the month. 
March 4. Explosion of a brass cannon while celebrat- 
ino" President Harrison's inauuuration. 



TABLE OF INCIDENTS. 317 

June 17. Thomas Hillman dropped dead in his field, 

from apoplexy. 
July 15. Bradford B. Daggett, a student at the 

Academy, is drowned in Sandy River, opposite the 

Center Village. 
October 31. Heavy snow-storm. 
Mechanics' Association organized, and continued with 

profit for many years. 

1842. July 4. Washingtonian Convention meets in Bel- 

cher's grove. Ably addressed by William R. Smith 
of Augusta. A large concourse of people present. 

Nov. 3. John F. Perham's dwelling-house and con- 
tents are burned. This house stood upon the site 
where S. C. Burnham's house was recently burned. 

First Washingtonian Society organized. 

Teachers' Association organized by Rev. Jacob Abbott 
and others. 

1843. April 6. Great snow-storm. More snow fell in a 

single storm than has ever fallen so late in the 
season since the settlement of the town. 

A backward spring. Sleighing" continues late. 

April 25. William T. Davis is drowned in a brook 
in the vicinity of Porter's Hill. 

July 8. Franklin Musical Society organized, with 
William M. Reed as president and Ezekiel Lan- 
caster vice-president. 

July 23. House at the P'alls owned by William Whit- 
tier, destroyed by fire. 

Protracted meetings conducted by the Protestant 
Methodists are held. 

Agitation in regard to the end of the world. P^der 
Preble prominent in the movement. 

1844. Feb. 5. Grey wolf killed by Henry Titcomb and 

Sumner Kennedy in the northern part of the town. 

1845. Jan. II. Plrst number of the 67//'(w/rA' issued. J. S. 

Swift, editor and proprietor. 
April 24. Great snow-storm. 
May 8. Great snow-storm. 



41 



3l8 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON: 

July. Moses B. Parker is drowned near the Center 

bridge. 
August 8. Mrs. Jonas Green of Wilton is killed by 

lightning at the house of Philbrick Marston in 

Farmington. 
Nov. 4. High freshet. Center and Fairbanks bridges 

rendered impassable. Bridge across the Temple 

stream near the mills swept away. 
Potato-rot first makes its appearance in town. 

1846. June. Addition to Congregational meeting-house 

completed. 

August 8. Great hail-storm in the northeast part 
of the town. Growing crops destroyed in many 
places. More water probably fell than has ever 
fallen in town, during the same space of time. 

October 18. Heavy fall of snow. 

October. First teachers' institute held in town. 

1847. Jan. 14. Store occupied by Thomas Chase for the 

sale of general merchandise burned at the Falls 

village, together with most of the stock, which was 

insured for $1450. 
May 4. Heavy fall of snow. 
July. Very hot the first of the month. Average 

heat 82.2°. 
October 19. Fixed upon by the Adventists as the 

last day. 

1848. Jan. 4. Stable of Thomas Chase with its contents 

burned at the Falls. 
May 29. Josiah B. Prescott drowned near the Falls. 
I §49. March 3. Alanson B. Caswell's store, situated at 

the Falls and occupied as a carriage shop, destroyed 

by fire. 
March 18. Louis V. Corbett killed by the kick of a 

horse. 
March 31. Saw-mill owned by Whittier, Croswell 

and Williams, at the Falls, swept away by an 

ice-freshet. 
July 20. Jonas Burnham, A. M., takes charge of the 

Academy as preceptor. 



TABLE OF INCIDENTS. 319 

Methodist Church erected at the Center Village. 
1850. May 24. High freshet. Alexander Hillman's dam 
and clover-mill, situated in the northeast part of 
the town, swept away. 

August 7. Great fire at the Center Village. 

October 14. First Village Corporation organized. 
185 I. Jan. I. Large railroad convention held at the court- 
house. 

May 6. Heavy fall of snow. 

June 10. George Marcue is drowned in the Sandy 
River. 

October 27. Great fall of snow, which remained on 
the ground through the winter. 

1852. October 15. Heavy fall of snow. 
October 22. Great snow-storm. 

Mrs. Jeremy W. Stoddard, while temporarily insane, 
drowns her infant in the Sandy River. 

1853. March 13. Superstructure of the Center bridge falls. 
October 14. Sandy River Bank established, with 

Samuel Belcher as president and Thomas G. Jones 
as cashier. 

1854. March 15. Daniel Beale's brick store, occupied by 

Keith and Field, partially burned. 

1855. July 16. Edward M. Bailey is drowned in the Sandy 

River. 
October 13. Third great freshet on the Sandy River. 

1856. June 30. Destructive thunder-storm, accompanied by 

high wind and hail, passes over the southern por- 
tion of Farmington. 

1857. May 12. Heavy fall of snow. 

October 25. VVillard Stoddard's dwelling-house is 

burned. 
Erasmus D. Prescott erects a steam saw-mill near 

the eastern end of the Center bridge. 

1858. Jan. 29. First number of the Franklin Patriot 

issued. Editors : E. F. Pillsbury and C. B. Stet- 
son. Motto : " Liberty in the harness of the law." 
April 21. Maine Methodist Conference meets in 
Farminffton. 



320 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

May 30. Rev. Isaac Rogers preaches his farewell 
sermon at the Congregational Church. 

June II. Orrin D. Rice buried in Riverside Ceme- 
tery ; first interment. 
1859. January. Second week intensely cold. Mercury 
reaches 38° below zero. 

March 29. Heavy rain, which breaks up the ice in 
the river. 

June 5. Severe frost kills the beans. 

June 20. P'irst train of cars arrives at West Farm- 
ington. 

Nov. 3. Black bear shot in the vicinity of Porter's 
Hill. 

Dec. 29. Store occupied by A. H. Bonney, is burned, 
together with its contents. Partially insured. 
i860. July 4. Grand Celebration. Great enthusiasm mani- 
fested. James G. Blaine and Israel Washburn, Jr., 
present. 

July. Small-pox prevalent in the Center Village. 
Horace Jones the first case. 

August 5. Death of William M. Reed from small- 
pox. 

October 14. Rev. Rowland B. Howard commences 
his labors with the Congregational Church. 

October 17. At six o'clock in the morning a slight 
shock of an earthquake is felt, lasting one minute. 

Dec. 4. Missionary Convention assembles here. 

First fire-engine purchased, at a cost of about $400. 

1 861. July 19. Heavy hail-storm, seriously injuring the 

growing crops. 
October 9. Military Muster. Eighteen companies 

present, and a large concourse of people. 
Nov. 28. Citizens give the soldiers an entertainment. 

1862. February. Revival under Mr. Hammond commences. 
July 4. Citizens' Celebration, consisting of a national 

salute, procession, oration, dinner, and military 
parade. Austin Abbott, Esq., of New York, orator 
of the day. 



TABLE OF INCIDENTS. 321 

July 19. War Meeting on the Common. Organiza- 
tion of three miHtia companies. 

October 4. Isaac H. Edwards' house on Anson St. 
partially burned. 

1863. Feb. 5. Mercury 30° below zero, at 7 o'clock in the 

morning. 

Feb. 6. Rain. 

Feb. 22. Valuable farm-house of Jabez Vaughan 
burned. 

March 28. Loyal National League is organized. 

June I. Josiah H. Holley's barn is struck by lightn- 
ing and burned. 

October 25. Rev. Thomas Weston closes his labors 
with the Unitarian Church. 

October. Trial of Jesse Wright for the murder of 
Jeremiah Tuck of Phillips. Sentenced to be hung. 

Nov. 8. High freshet. 

1864. Jan. 9. Buildings of Dr. N. H. Clark burned. 
April 11-12. Great snow-storm. 

April 23. Trial of Samuel Richardson, alias Varnum, 
for murder of Joseph Edes at Temple. Sentenced 
to be hung. 

April 25. Second trial of Lawrence Doyle, for the 
murder of Lura Vellie Libbey at Strong. After 
a trial of ten days, he was sentenced to be hung. 

April. Trial of Asahel H. Thompson for a felonious 
assault upon David W. Whittier, 2d, at Chesterville, 
Dec. 4, 1863. Sentenced to twenty years in the 
State Prison. 

July 4. Grand Demonstration in Farmington. The 
young ladies raise $150 by a fair in aid of the sol- 
diers at the front. 

August 24. Western State Normal School opened, 
under instruction of Profs. A. P. Kelsey and George 
M. Gage, and Miss A. M. Johnson. 

1865. March. Grist-mill at the Falls, owned by Jesse 

Small, is burned, with most of its machinery. 
April 15. News of President Lincoln's death received. 



322 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

April 19. Appropriate services commemorative of 
President Lincoln's death, are observed by the 
citizens of Farmington with addresses and a pro- 
cession. 

May 7. Heavy fall of snow. 

June 4. Enoch B. Hunt's valuable farm-buildings 
burned. 

June 18. A Frenchman is drowned in Sandy River. 

July 4. Large and patriotic celebration, in which the 
people of the adjacent towns participate. Address 
by Rev. E. B. Webb of Boston. 

July. Telegraph to Farmington established. 

September. Farmington Public Library incorporated. 

1866. Jan. 3. Joseph Fairbanks' grist-mill, and Horatio G. 

Eaton's saw-mill, burned. 
October 12. At a reunion of the returned soldiers, 
Charles Perham, in firing a cannon, has both hands 
blown off. 

1867. Jan. 30. Henry Stewart's dwelling-house, situated 

near Fairbanks, burned. 
March 12. John C. Stewart's valuable farm-buildings, 
together with eighteen head of cattle and a large 
amount of grain, burned. Loss $8,000. On the 
same day, Horatio G. Eaton's barn and live stock 
are also burned. These two fires were undoubtedly 
of incendiary origin. 

1868. May 8. Heavy fall of snow. 

July 2. Hail-storm in north part of the town. 

July 3-4-5. Very hot. Mercury rises to 100° in the 

shade on each day. 
July 7. Barn of Charles Hutchins destroyed by fire. 
Sept. 28. Snow-storm, which makes sledding in the 

upper part of the county. 
Nov. 16. Franklin County Savings Bank organized, 

with D. V. B. Ormsby as president, and Robert 

Goodenow treasurer. 

1869. Feb. 3-4-5. Great fall of snow. 
Winter of deep snow. 



TABLE OF INCIDENTS. 323 

March 6. B. R. Elliott's dwelling-house, at the Cen- 
ter Village, is destroyed by fire. 

May 4. Snow-storm. 

June 8. An unsuccessful attempt made to rob the 
Sandy River Bank. Burglars frightened away by 
the village watchman. 

August 7-8. Severe frost. Nipped the beans. 

October 4. Fourth great freshet upon the Sandy 
River and its tributaries, causing much damage. 

October 22. 5.30 A. M. Earthquake. Lasts thirty 
seconds. 

October 22. High freshet. 

1870. Jan. 2. High freshet breaks up the ice in the river. 
Feb. 19. Ice-freshet renders the railroad bridge 

across the Temple Stream impassable. 
March. ' Trial of John Fletcher for the murder of 

John Tolman. Verdict, not guilty. 
May. Survey for the railroad extension completed. 
June 24-25. Very hot. Laborers suspend work. 
July 24. Mercury stands at 100° through the day. 
August 26. Dwelling-house of Mrs. Betsey McLellan, 

at West Farmington, is destroyed by fire. 
Sept. 15. First train of cars enters the Center 

Village. 
Sept. 21-22, Reunion of the "Little Blue" alumni. 
Sept. 25. Dwelling-house of Mrs. Mary P. Cutler 

destroyed by fire. 
October 20. 11.35 ^- M. Severe earthquake. 
Unitarian Church erected. 

1 87 1. March 13. Railroad bridge across the river is ren- 

dered impassable by an ice-freshet. 

May 4. Heavy fall of snow. 

May 21. Mercury rises to 90° in the shade. 

September. Convention of Unitarian Churches at 
Farmington. 

October 19. 4.45 \\ M. Slight shock of an earth- 
quake is felt. 

October 24. Rev. George N. Marden installed {)astor 
of the Conj^rcLfational Church. 



324 HISTORY OF FARM/NGTON. 

Arcade block, Willows school-building, and Fletcher's 

grist-mill are erected. 
Myriads of grasshoppers appear and destroy the crops 

in many places. 

1872. March 4-5. Very cold, and great snow-storm. 
April 18. Samuel G. Craig's farm-buildings burned. 

Insured for $1200. 

June 21. Very hot. Mercury reaches 98° in the 
shade. 

June 21. Dwelling-house of Clofus Gognoy is de- 
stroyed by fire. 

June 30. John Knowlton's buildings, with their con- 
tents, burned. Loss estimated at $4,000 ; no 
insurance. 

August 5. The steam grist-mill owned by Amos 
Fletcher, situated at the Center Village, is burned, 
together with its contents, consisting of machinery, 
grain, groceries, etc. Loss estimated at $25,000; 
insured for $7,500. 

1873. Feb. 21-23. Great fall of snow and blockade. No 

trains for five days. 
Feb. 24. House occupied by Selden Knowlton is 

destroyed by fire. 
April 7. Eugene S. Gilman's hotel at the Falls is 

burned. Insured for $3,000. 
April 29. John Hiscock's dwelling-house burned, 

with most of its contents 
May 3. Heavy fall of snow. 
May. First postal-card received in town, addressed 

to the Sandy River National Bank. 
July 26. E. Miller's barn, in the east part of the 

town, struck by lightning and burned. 
August 28. Harrison B. Jennings' house is destroyed 

by fire. 
October 21. High freshet. Railroad bridge rendered 

impassable. 
October 23. J. G. Holland lectures in Farmington. 
Dec. 2. Very cold. Mercury reaches 24° below zero. 



TABLE OF INCIDENTS. 325 

Farmington Cornet Band organized this year. Indi- 
viduals subscribe $1050 for the purchase of instru- 
ments. 

1874. April 26. Snow-storm. 

May I. Deep snow and high wind. 

Colorado potato-bug first makes its appearance. 

Sept. II. W. F. Cilley's hotel at West Farmington 

is destroyed by fire. 
Nov. 12. John B. Morrison's valuable farm-buildings, 

situated near Chesterville, are burned. Estimated 

loss, $9,000 ; insured for $5,000. 
Nov. 23. Alfred Bradford's buildings are destroyed 

by fire. 
Dec. 16. Brick stores belonging to Mrs. Phinney, 

Isaac M. Cutler, and William Tarbox, are burned. 

1875. Feb. 14. Very cold. Mercury 37° below zero. 
Aug. 16. Howard Coburn drowned in the Sandy 

River. 

Sept. 23. Great fire in the Center Village. Five 
stores on Main St. and two on Broadway, besides 
ofifices and shops, are burned. Loss estimated at 
$25,000. 

Nov. 30. An Arctic wave passes over the State. 

Caterpillars this year appear in large numbers, seri- 
ously injuring the apple-trees. Railroad trains are 
said to be impeded by their gathering on the track. 

1876. February. Great revival under the Lynn Praying 

Band. 
May II. David Bean's hall, at West Farmington, is 

burned. 
June 21. Rev. Osgood W. Rogers ordained pastor 

of the Congregational Church. 
August 3. l^uildings of I^lbridge G. Wyman are 

burned. 
October 13. Accident at the Fair Grounds. A floor 

gives way, and several persons are injured. 
October 27. Drummond Hall dedicated. 
October. Isaac Butterfield's dwelling-house is burned. 



42 



326 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Caterpillars appear again, but in less numbers. 

1877. Feb. 15. Dwelling-house of Mrs. Belcher Stewart, at 

the Center Village, is burned. 
March 28. Great ice-freshet. Fairbanks bridge is 

swept away, and the two western piers undermined. 

Replaced the same year with granite piers and an 

iron superstructure. 
July 8. Aaron Hannaford loses his buildings by fire. 
Oct. 31. Dedication of the new Methodist Church. 

Sermon by Rev. C. B. Pittblado of Manchester, 

N. H. 
November. First telephone introduced into Farm- 

ington, by Dr. Randall. 
New school-house is completed at the Center Village. 

1878. Jan. 3. No snow. Streets dusty. Pleasant. 

Jan. II. Hurricane. Buildings and fences blown 

down. 
Jan. 31. Frank Gay killed by a falling tree. 
March 7. Melvin Bean killed in Franklin Mill at 

the Falls. 
April 23-29. Methodist Conference held in Farm- 

ington a second time. 
July 29. Total eclipse of the sun — the last one for 

the century. 
August 21. Isaac H. Fdwards' house partially burned 

a second time. 
Nov. 5. Wilson Greaton loses his boarding-house 

by fire. 
Dec. 4. Rev. Henry Ward Beecher lectures in 

P'armington. 
Dec. II. High freshet. Water within three feet of 

as high as in 1869. Red bridge across the Temple 

stream swept away, and railroad bridge across the 

same stream rendered impassable. 

1879. March 13. Wendell Phillips lectures in Farmington. 
March 29. Very cold. Mercury 36° below zero. 
March 30. 32° below. 

March ^i. so° below. 



TABLE OF INCIDENTS. 327 

August 15. Rev. Henry Ward Beecher lectures in 

Farmington the second time. 
Sept. 4. Gen. James A. Garfield visits Farmington. 
October 8-9. Very warm. Mercury reaches 95°. 
October 9. Congregational Church at the Falls dedi- 
cated. 
October 31. Death of Jacob Abbott at his home at 

" Few Acres." 
Nov. 20. First through train to Phillips on the Sandy 

River Railroad. 
1S80. May 20. Valuable farm-buildings of John R. Voter 

are destroyed by fire. 
July 18. Charles H. Hunter is drowned in Sandy 

River. 
July-August. Severe drought. 
August 28. Disastrous fire at Backus Corner. Four 

dwelling-houses and other buildings burned. 

1 88 1. Feb. 2. Installation of Rev. Albert W. Moore over 

the Congregational Church. 
July 2. News of President Garfield's assassination 

received. 
Sept. 6. Yellow dark day. Lamps lighted in many 

places in New England. 
Sept. 26. Appropriate services held at the Methodist 

Church in commemoration of the death of President 

Garfield, which occurred Sept. 19. 
October 4-5. Cold. Snow-storm. 

1882. Music Hall block erected. 

October 4. Ephraim F. Wellman loses his house by 

fire. 
October. Comet appears in the heavens. 

1883. Feb. 22. Music Hall dedicated. 

March 3. Free Baptist parsonage is burned. 

April I. House of S. C. Burnham, at the Center 

Village, is burned. 
April 24. Snow-storm. 
April 24. W. V. Libbey's hall and store, at West 

P'armington, arc burned. 



328 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

June 5. Installation of Rev. C. H. Pope over the 
Congregational Church. 

June 19-21. State Conference of Congregational 
Churches assembles at Farmington. 

August 13-15. Reunion of Maine Soldiers. Veteran 
Association of Massachusetts present. 

October 29. John B. Gough lectures in Farmington. 

Nov. 12-13. Hurricane. Buildings, trees and fences 
blown down. Great damage done to timber land 
throughout the State. 

Nov. 18. Change of time from local, or solar time, 
to Eastern Standard Time. Difference at Farm- 
ington, 20 minutes, 30 seconds slower. 

1884. April 8. Center Meeting-House sold to Franklin 

County. 
June 6. Republicans celebrate the nomination of 

James G. Blaine for President, by firing cannon, 

ringing bells, and other demonstrations of joy. 
October. Box Factory erected. 
Nov. 24. Great Celebration in honor of the election 

of Grover Cleveland as President of the United 

States. 
Dec. 27. Mercury reaches 30° below zero. 

1885. Center Meeting-House (court-house) sold to town of 

Farmington, and new brick county-building erected. 



APPENDIX. 



List of Town Officers elected at the Municipal Elections held in the 
Months of March or April Annually from the Incorporation of 
the Town in 1794 to 1885. 





MODERATOR. 




CLERK. 


TREASURER. 


^794 


Solomon Adams. 


Su 


pply Belcher. 


Moses Starling. 


1795 


Ezekiel Porter. 


So 


lomon Adams. 


do. 


1796 


do. 




do. 


do. 


1797 


Hartson Cony. 




do. 


do. 


1798 


Ezekiel Porter. 




do. 


do. 


1799 


do. 




do. 


do. 


1800 


do. 




do. 


do. 


1801 


Stephen Titcomb. 




do. 


Church Brainerd. 


1802 


do. 


H 


. V. Chamberlain 


do. 


1803 


Solomon Adams. 


Church Brainerd. 


do. 


1804 


Ezekiel Porter. 




do. 


John Holley. 


1805 


do. 




do. 


Zachariah Norton. 


1806 


Jonathan Russ. 




do. 


Ezekiel Porter. 


1807 


Joseph S. Smith. 




do. 


Solomon Adams. 


1808 


do. 




do. 


do. 


1809 


Oliver Bailey. 




do. 


Thomas Hiscock. 


1810 


Solomon Adams. 




do. 


Timothy Johnson. 


1811 


Leonard Merry. 




do. 


Nathan Cutler. 


1812 


Solomon Adams. 




do. 


do. 


1813 


Thomas Johnson. 




do. 


do. 


1814 


Joseph Fairbanks. 


H 


iram Belcher. 


do. 


1815 


do. 




do. 


Joseph Fairbanks, 



330 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



I8I6 


Joseph Fairbanks. 


Hiram Belcher. 


Joseph Fairbanks. 


I8I7 


Daniel Beale. 


do. 


do. 


I8I8 


do. 


do. 


Enoch Craig. 


I8I9 


Joseph Fairbanks. 


do. 


do. 


1820 


Josiah Prescott. 


Nathan Cutler. 


do. 


I82I 


John Gould. 


Thomas Parker. 


do. 


1822 


Ebenezer Childs. 


do. 


Joseph Titcomb. 


1823 


Jere. Stinchfield. 


do. 


do. 


1824 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1825 


Edward Butler. 


do. 


do. 


1826 


Hebron Mayhew, Jr 


do. 


do. 


1827 




do. 


do. 


1828 


Joseph Sewall. 


do. 


do. 


1829 


Elijah Norton. 


Timothy Johnson. 


Edward Butler. 


1830 


Andrew D. Linscott 


do. 


do. 


I83I 


do. 


do. 


Isaac Tyler. 


1832 


do. 


Isaac Tyler. 


Moses Butterfield. 


1833 


Joseph Sewall. 


do. 


Thomas Hunter. 


1834 


Francis G. Butler. 


do. 


do. 


1835 


John Russ. 


Timothy Johnson. 


Francis Butler. 


1836 


Ebenezer Childs. 


Hiram B. Stoyell. 


Thomas Hunter. 


1837 


do. 


do. 


. do. 


1838 


Brilsford Pease. 


Samuel Belcher. 


Samuel Stanley. 


1839 


Robert Goodenow. 


do. 


do. 


1840 


Francis G. Butler, 


do. 


Amasa Corbett. 


I84I 


do. 


Zach. T. Milliken. 


do. 


1842 


do. 


Charles E. Johnson 


Alexander Hillman 


1843 


Samuel Belcher. 


do. 


do. 


1844 


Robert Goodenow. 


Albert G. Wheeler. 


Samuel Stanley. 


1845 


Francis G. Butler. 


do. 


Peter P. Tufts. 


1846 


do. 


do. 


Francis G. Butler. 


1847 


do. 


George W. Gould. 


do. 


1848 


Robert Goodenow. 


Albert G. Wheeler. 


John W. Perkins. 


1849 


Francis G. Butler. 


do. 


do. 


1850 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1851 


do. 


do. 


Isaac M. Cutler. 


1852 


do. 


John F. Sprague. 


do. 


1853 


do. 


do. 


do. 


1854 


Samuel Belcher. 


do. 


George W. Whitney 


1855 


Thomas G. Jones. 


do. 


do. 







APPENDIX. 


331 


1856 


Robert Goodenovv. 


John F. : 


Sprague. George W.Whitney 


'857 


do. 


Richard S. Rice. Hiram B. Stoyell. 


1858 


do. 


do. 




Leonard Keith. 


'859 


do. 


Benjamin R. Elliott. do. 


i86o 


Alanson B. Farwell. 


do. 




do. 


1861 


Frederic V. Stewart. 


do. 




do. 


1862 


Francis G. Butler. 


do. 




do. 


1863 


Peter R. Tufts. 


]]enj. F. 


Atkinson. do. 


1864 


do. 


do. 




do. 


1865 


Francis G. Butler. 


do. 




do. 


1866 


do. 


do. 




Amasa Corbett. 


1867 


do. 


do. 




do. 


1868 


Samuel P. Morrill. 


I. Warren Me 


rrill. Andrew T. Tuck, 


1869 


John H. Allen. 


do. 




Amasa Corbett. 


1870 


David C. Morrill. 


do. 




do. 


1871 


Francis G. Butler. 


do. 




do. 


1872 


Samuel P. Morrill. 


do. 




do. 


1873 


Parmenas Dyer. 


do. 




Louis Voter. 


T874 


do. 


do. 




Peter P. Tufts. 


1875 


do. 


do. 




do. 


1876 


do. 


do. 




do. 


T877 


do. 


do. 




do. 


1878 


do. 


do. 




do. 


1879 


Francis G. Butler. 


do. 




do. 


1880 


Joseph C. Holman. 


do. 




do. 


1881 


do. 


do. 




do. 


1882 


do. 


do. 




do. 


1883 


do. 


do. 




do. 


1884 


do. 


do. 




do. 


1885 


Henry H. Richards. 


do. 




do. 






SELECTMEN. 




1794 


Peter Corbett. 
Fzekiel Porter. 
Enoch Craig. 


I 


797 


Peter Corbett. 
Jotham Smith. 
Supply Belcher. 


1795 


Peter Corbett. 
Fzekiel Porter. 
Enoch Craig. 


1 


798 


Peter Corbett. 
P^zekiel Porter. 
Jotham Smith. 


1796 


Peter Corbett. 
Jotham Smith. 
Supply Belcher. 


I 


799 


Peter Corbett. 
Ezekiel Porter. 
Jotham Smith. 



332 



HISTORY OF FARMTNGTON. 



1800 Peter Corbett. 
Ezekiel Porter. 
Jotham Smith. 

1801 Benjamin Whittier. 
John HoIIey. 
Ebenezer Norton. 

1802 Solomon Adams, 
Jonathan Cushman. 
Thomas Hiscock. 

1803 Reuben Lowell. 
Enoch Craig. 
Elijah Norton. 

1804 Elijah Norton. 
John F. Woods. 
Jabez Gay. 

1805 Elijah Norton. 
John F. Woods. 
Samuel Lovejoy. 

1806 John F. Woods. 
Oliver Bailey. 
Lemuel Perham. 

1807 Elijah Norton. 
Oliver Bailey. 
Thomas Wendell. 

1808 Oliver Bailey. 
Thomas Wendell. 
Jere. Stinchfield. 

1809 Oliver Bailey. 
Elijah Norton. 
Jonathan Russ. 

18x0 Oliver Bailey. 
Elijah Norton. 
William Gould. 

181 1 Leonard Merry. 
Thomas 1). Blake. 
Oliver Bailey. 

18 1 2 Leonard Merry. 
John F. Woods. 
Jere. Stinchfield. 



i«i3 



1S14 



1815 



1816 



1817 



1819 



1S23 



1024 



1825 



Leonard Merry. 
John F. Woods. 
Jere. Stinchfield. 
Jere. Stinchfield. 
Job Brooks. 
Oliver Bailey. 
Jere. Stinchfield. 
Job Brooks. 
Stephen Titcomb. 
Jere. Stinchfield. 
Job Brooks. 
Stephen Titcomb. 
Joseph Fairbanks. 
James Butterfield. 
Jotham Smith. 
Joseph Fairbanks. 
Thomas Parker. 
Benjamin Butler. 
Joseph Fairbanks. 
James Butterfield. 
John Russ. 
Joseph Fairbanks. 
James Butterfield. 
John Russ. 
James Butterfield. 
John Morrison. 
Joseph Fairbanks. 
John Morrison. 
Benjamin M. Belcher. 
Thomas Parker. 
Thomas Parker. 
Benjamin M. Belcher. 
Jere. Stinchfield. 
Jere. Stinchfield. 
Benjamin M. Belcher. 
Joseph Fairbanks, Jr. 
Joseph Fairbanks, Jr. 
Thomas Parker. 
John Russ. 



APPENDIX. 



333 



1826 Joseph Fairbanks, Jr. 1839 
Thomas Parker. 

John Russ. 

1827 Thomas Parker. 1840 
John Russ. 

John Church, Jr. 

1828 Thomas Parker. 1841 
John Russ. 

John Church, Jr. 

1829 John Russ. 1842 
James Butterfield. 

Francis Butler, 

1830 John Russ. 1843 
James Butterfield. 

Francis Butler. 
I S3 1 James Butterfield. 1844 

Francis Butler. 

Samuel Stanley. 
1S32 James Butterfield. 1845 

Francis Butler. 

Samuel Stanley. 

1833 Thomas Parker. 1846 
Henry Johnson. 

Isaac Tyler. 

1834 Thomas Parker. 1847 
Francis Butler. 

John Russ. 

1835 Thomas Parker. 1848 
Samuel Stanley. 

James Butterfield. 
[836 Thomas Parker. 1849 

Joseph Fairbanks. 
John Morrison. 

1837 Thomas Parker. 1850 
Samuel B. Norton. 

Benjamin Sampson. 

1838 John Jewett. 185 1 
Moses Chandler. 

Alanson B. C'aswell. 



James Butterfield. 
Joseph Fairbanks. 
Alanson B. Caswell. 
Alanson B. Caswell. 
Brilsford Pease. 
William Tufts. 
Alanson B. Caswell. 
Brilsford Pease. 
Eliab Eaton. 
Samuel Stanley. 
Eliab Eaton. 
Amasa Corbett. 
Samuel Stanley. 
Eliab Eaton. 
Amasa Corbett. 
Amasa Corbett. 
Alvan Currier. 
Moses Chandler. 
Moses Chandler. 
Alvan Currier. 
Henry Russ. 
Samuel Stanley. 
Peter P. Tufts. 
Henry Clark. 
Peter P. Tufts. 
Henry Clark. 
David C. Morrill. 
Henry Clark. 
David C. Morrill. 
Nathan W. Backus. 
David C. Morrill. 
Nathan W. Backus. 
Alanson B. Caswell. 
Jotham S. Graves. 
Alvan Currier. 
Benjamin Sampson. 
Alvan Currier. 
Benjamin Sampson. 
William S. Gay. 



43 



334 



Hr STORY OF FARMINGTON. 



1852 Alvan Currier. 1865 
Benjamin Sampson. 

William S. Gay. 

1853 Benjamin Sampson. 1866 
Louis Voter, 

Joseph Norton. 

1854 Louis Voter. 1867 
Joseph Norton. 

Jonathan Russ. 

1855 Jonathan Russ. 1868 
Leonard Keith. 

John Backus. 

1856 John Backus. 1869 
Samuel Daggett. 

Peter R. Tufts. 

1857 Samuel Daggett. 1870 
Peter R. Tufts. 

Henry B. Titcomb. 

1858 Peter R. Tufts. 1871 
Henry B. Titcomb. 

Leonard M. Hiscock. 

1859 Leonard M. Hiscock. 1872 
Isaac Tyler. 

Allen Bangs. 
i860 Alvan Currier. 1873 

Allen Bangs. 
Hiram Russ. 

1 86 1 Alvan Currier. 1874 
Hiram Russ. 

Reuben Cutler. 

1862 Alvan Currier. 1875 
Hiram Russ. 

Hiram B. Stoyell. 

1863 Alvan Currier. 1876 
Hiram Russ, 

Hiram B, Stoyell. 

1864 Alvan Currier, 1877 
Hiram Russ, 

Hiram B, Stoyell. 



Alvan Currier. 
Francis G. Butler. 
Zina H. Greenwood. 
Francis G. Butler. 
Zina H. Greenwood. 
Elmon J. Dyar. 
Francis G. Butler. 
Zina H. Greenwood 
Elmon J. Dyar. 
Zina H. Greenwood. 
Elmon J. Dyar. 
Frederic C, Perkins. 
Elmon J, Dyar, 
Frederic C. Perkins. 
Jonathan Russ. 
Frederic C. Perkins. 
George Gower. 
Reuben Fenderson. 
Reuben Fenderson. 
George W. Davis. 
Francis G. Butler, 
George VV, Davis, 
Francis G. Butler. 
George W. Cothren. 
George W. Cothren. 
Prederic C. Perkins. 
George Gower. 
Frederic C. Perkins. 
George Gower. 
Charles B. Russell. 
George Gower. 
Charles B. Russell. 
Benjamin Goodwin. 
Charles B. Russell. 
Benjamin Goodwin. 
Zina H. Greenwood. 
Benjamin Goodwin. 
Zina H. Greenwood. 
Charles B. Russell. 



APPENDIX. 



335 



1878 Cliarles B. Russell. 
Frederic C. Perkins, 
William B, Oilman. 

1879 Charles B. Russell. 
Frederic C. Perkins, 
William B. Oilman. 

1880 Seth C. Burnham. 
Robert McCleery. 
Oeorge W. Cothren. 

188 1 Joseph C. Holman. 
Charles B. Russell. 
William B. Oilman. 

REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED TO TH 

1798 Supply Belcher. 

1799 Ezekiel Porter. 

1800 Stephen Titcomb. 

1 80 1 Supply Belcher. 

1802 Voted not to send Repre- 

sentative. 

1803 Voted not to send Repre- 

sentative. 

1804 Ebenezer Norton. 

1805 Ezekiel Porter. 

1806 Moses Chandler. 

1807 Zachariah Norton. 

1808 Samuel Butterfield. 

1809 Supply Belcher. 
Nathan Cutler. 

18 10 Nathan Cutler. 
Joseph Norton. 



1882 Joseph C. Holman. 
Charles B. Russell. 
William B. Oilman. 

1883 Charles B. Russell. 
Henry M. Howes. 
Oeorge W. Wheeler. 

1884 William B. Oilman. 
Oeorge W. Wheeler. 
Charles B. Russell. 

1885 Oeorge W. Wheeler. 
Elmon J. Dyar. 
Samuel O. Craig. 

E MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE. 

181 1 Nathan Cutler. 
Timothy Johnson. 

18 1 2 Leonard Merry. 
Timothy Johnson. 

1813 Leonard Merry. 
Asahel Oross. 

18 1 4 Voted not to send Rei> 

resentative. 

18 1 5 Voted not to send Rep- 

resentative. 

18 1 6 Meeting adjourned with- 

out day. 

18 1 7 Voted not to send Rep- 

resentative. 

18 18 Voted not to send Rep- 

resentative. 

18 19 Nathan Cutler. 
Joseph Fairbanks. 



REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED TO THE MAINE LEGISLATURE. 



1820 Jabez Oay. 
182 I Hiram Belcher. 

William Oould. 

James Butterfield. 

Janies Butterfield. 

Edward Butler. 

Edward Butler. 



1822 
1823 
1824 
1825 
1826 



1827 Joseph Johnson. 

1828 Hiram Belcher. 

1829 Joseph Johnson. 

1830 John Russ. 

1 83 1 Hiram Belcher. 

1832 Francis Butler. 

1833 Isaac Tyler. 



336 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



1834 

1835 
1836 

1837 
1838 

1839 
1840 
1841 
1842 
1843 

1844 

1845 
1846 

1847 



1849 
1850 
1852 

1853 
1854 

1855 

1856 

1857 
1858 



Moses Butterfield. 1859 

Joseph Russell. 

Samuel Stanley. i860 

Josiah Prescott. 186 1 

Samuel B. Norton. 1862 

Alanson B. Caswell, 1863 

Samuel Belcher. 

Moses Chandler. 1864 

John Jewett. 1865 

Nathan Cutler, elected 1866 

Apr. 29, 1844. 

James A. Dunsmore, of 1867 

Temple. 1868 

Eliab Eaton. 1869 
Peter R. Tufts. 

John Dunsmore, of Tem- 1870 

pie. 1871 

Samuel Belcher. 1872 

Samuel Belcher. 1873 

William Nye, of Temple. 1874 

Alvan Currier. 1875 

Francis G. Butler. 1876 

James J. York, of Temple. 1877 
Z. Morton Vaughan, of 

New Vineyard. 1878 

John B. Morrison. 1879 

John B. Morrison. 1880 

Samuel F. Small, of 1882 

Temple. 1884 



Philander Butler, of New 
Vineyard. 

Hiram B. Stoyell. 

Hiram B. Stoyell. 

John L. Blake. 

John J. Stewart, of New 
Vineyard. 

Joseph W. Fairbanks. 

Joseph W. Fairbanks. 

Orrin Hall, of New Vine- 
yard. 

Stillman Tarbox. 

Edmund Russell. 

John McLain, of New 
Vineyard. 

Frederic C. Perkins. 

Frederic C. Perkins, 

Thomas Croswell. 

Thomas Croswell. 

Lucien B. Pillsbury. 

Lucien B. Pillsbury. 

Benjamin Goodwin. 

Asa M. Adams, of Per- 
kins Plantation. 

Cyrus A. Thomas. 

Cyrus A. Thomas. 

John J. Linscott. 

John J. Linscott. 

Edward P. Davis. 



Senators elected to the Maine Legislature frojn Franklin County 

since the Apportionment of 1840. 

1841 John A. Barnard, Strong. 

1842 Daniel Merritt, Jay. 

1S43 Varnum Cram, New Sharon. 

1844 Moses Sherburne, Phillips. 

1845 Lemuel Bursley, Farmington. 

1846 Lemuel Bursley, Farmington. 

1847 William Tripp, Wilton. 

1848 William Tripp, Wilton. 

1849 Newman T. Allen, Industry. 



APPENDIX. 



337 



1850 David Mitchell, 

1852 George W. Clark, 

1853 John L. Cutler, 

1854 Alvan Currier, 

1855 Francis G. Butler, 

1856 Joseph G. Hoyt, 

1857 Joseph G. Hoyt, 

1858 Jeremy W. Porter, 

1859 Jeremy W. Porter, 
i860 Z. Morton Vaughan, 

186 1 Z. Morton Vaughan, 

1862 William H. Josselyn, 

1863 William H. Josselyn, 

1864 Cornelius Stone, 

1865 Cornelius Stone, 

1866 Joseph W^. Fairbanks, 

1867 Joseph W. Fairbanks, 

1868 Reuel B. Fuller, 

1869 Edwin R. French, 

1870 Edwin R. French, 

1871 Francis M. Howes, 

1872 Francis M. Howes, 

1873 Albion Dyer, 

1874 Albion Dyer, 

1875 Ebenezer S. Keyes, 

1876 Ebenezer S. Keyes, 

1877 James Morrison, Jr., 

1878 James Morrison, Jr., 

1879 George R. Fernald, 

1880 George R. Fernald, 
1882 Philip H. Stubbs, 
1884 Philip H. Stubbs, 



Temple. 

New Vineyard. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Wilton. 

Wilton. 

Strong. 

Strong. 

New Vineyard. 

New Vineyard. 

Phillips. 

Phillips. 

Jay. 
Jay. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Wilton. 

Chesterville. 

Chesterville. 

New Sharon. 

New Sharon. 

Strong. 

Strong. 

Jay. 
Jay. 

Phillips. 

Phillips. 

Wilton, 

Wilton. 

Strong. 

Strong. 



Officers of Franklin County since its Organization. 

SHERIFFS. 

Farmington. 1838-1839. 

Farmington. 1839-1841. 

Farmington. 1841-1842. 

New Vineyard. 1842-1846. 



James Stanley, 
Joseph Johnson, 
James Stanley, 
Samuel Daggett, 
Daniel Merritt, 
Francis G. Butler, 



Jay. 

Farmingrton. 



1846-1850. 
1850-1854. 



338 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



John Trask, 
William Whittier, 
Samuel Daggett, 
Frederic V. Stewart, 
Orrin Daggett, 
John B. Daggett, 
Seward Dill, 
Andrew T. Tuck, 
Orrin Tufts, 
Gilbert Miller, 
Orrin Tufts, 
Zaccheus A. Dyer, 
Ephraim F. Conant, 



Moses Sherburne, 
John L. Cutler, 
Joseph A. Linscott, 
William Tripp, 
Oliver L. Currier, 
Sewall Cram, 
Samuel Belcher, 
Andrew C. Phillips, 
Robert Goodenow, 
Philip H. Stubbs, 
Klias Field, 
Joseph C. Holman, 



New Sharon. 

Chesterville. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

New Sharon. 

Farmington, 

Phillips. 

Farmington. 

Kingfield. 

Wilton. 

Kingfield. 

New Sharon. 

Temple. 

ATTORNEYS. 

Phillips. 

Farmington. 

Phillips. 

Wilton. 

New Sharon. 

Wilton. 

Farmington. 

Phillips. 

Farmington. 

Strong. 

Phillips. 

Farmington. 



CLERKS OF THE JUDICIAL COURTS. 



Jesse Huse, 
J'rancis G. Butler, 
Jesse Huse, 
Alanson B. Caswell, 
George W. Whitney, 
Isaac Tyler, 
Alanson B. Farwell, 
Simeon H. Lowell, 
Joseph C. Holman, 
David H. Chandler, 
Josiah H. Thompson, 



Wilton. 

Farmington. 

Wilton. 

Farmington. 

Phillips. 

Weld. 

Farmington. 

Phillips. 

Phillips. 

Farmington. 

King^field. 



1854-1856. 
1856-1857. 

1857-1859- 
1859-1863. 
1863-1864. 
1864-1865. 
1865-1869. 
1869-1871. 
1871-1873. 
1873-1877. 
1877-1879. 
1879-1885. 
1885. 



1838-1843. 
1843-1849. 
1849-1850. 
1850-1854. 
1854-1860. 
1860-1863. 
1863-1866. 
1866-1869. 
1869-1870. 
1870-1876. 
1876-1882. 
1882. 



1838-1839. 
1839-1841. 
1841-1842. 
1842-1849. 
1849-1853. 
1853-1859. 
1859-1861. 
1861-1874. 
1874-1880. 
1880-1883. 
188^. 



APPENDIX. 



339 



Thomas Parker, 
Moses Sherburne, 
Samuel Belcher, 
Philip M. Stubbs, 
Oliver L, Currier, 
Horace B, Prescott, 
Samuel Belcher, 
James Morrison, Jr., 



JUDGES OF PROBATE. 

Farmington. 

Phillips. 

Farmington. 

Strong. 

New Sharon. 

New Sharon. 

Farmington. 

Phillips, 



Holmes A. Boardman, 
William Dickey, 
Holmes A. Boardman, 
Sewall Cram, 
Joseph D. Prescott, 
Joseph A. Linscott, 
Benjamin Sampson, 
Samuel S. Lambert, 
Benjamin Sampson, 
Benjamin F. Atkinson, 
James B. Severy, 
John G. Brown, 
Elmer E. Richards, 



aSTERS OF PROBATE. 

New Sharon. 

Strong. 

New Sharon. 

Wilton. 

Chesterville. 

Phillips. 

Farmington Falls. 

Phillips. 

Farmington Falls. 

Chesterville. 

Farmington. 

New Sharon. 

Farmington. 



1838-1845. 
1845-1852. 
1852-1857. 
1857-1869. 
1869-1871. 
1871-1880. 
1880-1884. 
1884. 



1838-1839. 
1839-1841. 
1841-1842. 
1842-1846. 
1846-1850. 
1850-1854. 
1854-1856. 
1856-1857. 
1857-1862. 
1862-1876. 
1876-1880. 
1880-1884. 



REGISTERS OF DEEDS. 



Jesse Huse, 
Samuel Baker, 
Charles J. Talbot, 
Samuel P. Morrill, 
Jot ham S. Graves, 
Samuel P. Morrill, 
Jotham S. Gould, 
James S. Brackett, 
Josiah H. Thompson, 
Flla R. Brackett, 



Fbenezer Childs, 
Nathan Cutler, 
Jonathan Russ, 



Wilton. 

New Sharon. 

Wilton. 

Chesterville. 

Farmington. 

Chesterville. 

Wilton. 

Phillips. 

Kingtield. 

Phillips. 



May 10, '38-()ct. 16, '39. 
Oct. 16, 1839-Jan. 1, 1848 
Jan. I, 1848-Jan. 1, 1858 
Jan. I, 1858-Jan. 1, 1863 
Jan. 1, 1863-Jan. I, 1868 
Jan. 1, i868-Jan. 1, 1869 
Jan. 1, 1869-Jan. 1, 1883 
Jan. 1, 1883-Oct. 28, 1884 
Oct. 28, '84-Apr. 27, '85. 
Apr. 27, 1885. 



TREASURERS. 

Farmington. 
Farmington. 
New Sharon. 



1838-1839. 
1839-1843^ 
1843-1844 



340 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Zachariah T. Milliken, 
Peter W. Willis, 
Edward Butler, 
Samuel B. Norton, 
Francis B. Field, 
Albert G. Wheeler, 
Francis Knowlton, 
Albert G. Wheeler, 
Jotham S. Graves, 
Leonard Keith, 
Robert Goodenow, 
Winthrop Norton, 
I. Warren Merrill, 
David H. Knowlton, 
Edward K. Hitchcock, 
Daniel M. Bonney, 



Farmington. 

Industry. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Strong. 

Farmington. 

Farmington. 

Strong. 

Farmington. 



I 844-1 846 
1846-1848 
1848-1850 
1850-1853 

1853-1855 
1855-1856 
1856-1857 
1857-1858 
1858-1859 
1859-1866 
1866-1868 
1868-1869 
1869-1876 
1876-1880 
1880-1881 
1881. 



Vote of Farmingtofi for Governor and Lieutenant- Governor of Mas- 
sachusetts. 27ie elected in Small Capitals. 





GOVERNOR. 




lieutenant-governor. 




1794 


Samuel Adams, 


70 


Moses Gill, 


35 


1795 


Samuel Adams, 


30 


Moses Gill, 


16 




Robert Gower, 


21 


Edward H. Robbins, 
Stephen Titcomb, 


12 

23 


1796 


Samuel Adams, 
Increase Sumner, 


45 
4 


Moses Gill, 


38 


1797 


Increase Sumner, 
James Sullivan, 


52 
3 


Moses Gill, 


56 


1798 


Increase Sumner, 


60 


Moses Gill, 


48 


1799 


Increase Sumner, 


45 


Moses Gill, 


32 




Supply Belcher, 


13 


Samuel Phillips, 


36 


1800 


Caleb Strong, 


28 


Moses Gill, 


27 




P'Jbridge Gerry, 


22 


Edward H. Robbins, 


17 


1 80 1 


Caleb Strong, 


59 


Edward H. Robbins, 


44 




Elbridge Gerry, 


2>2> 


William Heath, 


30 


1802 


Caleb Strong, 


63 


Edward H. Robbins, 


59 




Elbridge Gerry, 


35 


William Heath, 


40 


1803 


Caleb Strong, 


45 


Edward H. Robbins, 


51 




Elbridge Gerry, 


1 1 


James Bowdoin, 


13 


1804 


Caleb Strong, 


67 


Edward H. Robbins, 


68 



APPENDIX. 


341 


92 


William Heath, 


92 


44 


Kdward H. Robbins, 


37 


126 


William Heath, 


128 


55 


Edward H. Robbins, 


49 


139 


William Heath, 


150 


184 


Edward H. Robbins, 


44 


46 


Levi Lincoln, 


178 


165 


Levi Lincoln, 


161 


52 


David Cobb, 


45 


fi, 131 


Joseph B. Varnum, 


136 


135 


David Cobb, 


127 


150 


William Gray, 


156 


117 


David Cobb, 


108 


123 


William Gray, 


129 


77 


William Phillips, 


69 


95 


William King, 


154 


T70 


William Phillips, 


89 


117 


William King, 


172 


177 


William Phillips, 


116 


1 12 


William Phillips, 


109 


125 


William Gray, 


120 


129 


William Phillips, 


127 


13s 


William Gray, 


^l^ 


132 


William Phillips, 


127 


15s 


William King, 


144 


125 


William Phillips, 


114 


127 


William King, 


122 


94 


William Phillips, 


84 


eld, 104 


Thomas Kittredge, 


109 


85 


William Phillips, 


83 


ield, 1 1 1 


Benjamin Austin, 


III 



James Sullivan, 

1805 Caleb Strong, 
James Sullivan, 

1806 Caleb Strong, 
James Sullivan, 

1807 James Sullivan, 
Caleb Strong, 

1808 James Sullivan, 
Christopher Gore, 

1809 Christopher Gore, 
Levi Lincoln, 

1810 Elbridge Gerry, 
Christopher Gore, 

181 1 Elbridge Gerry, 
Christopher Gore, 

1812 Caleb Strong, 
Elbridge Gerry, 

18 13 Caleb Strong, 
Joseph B. Varnum 

18 1 4 Caleb Strong, 
Samuel Dexter, 

1 815 Caleb Strong, 
Samuel Dexter, 

18 16 John Brooks, 
Samuel Dexter, 

1817 John Brooks, 
Henry Dearbom, 

18 18 John Brooks, 
Benj.W. Crowninshield, 

18 19 John Brooks, 
Benj. W. Crowninshield, 

Vote of Farmington for Governor of Maine. 



1820 William King, 139 
Samuel S. Wilde, 64 

182 1 Albion K. Parris, 129 
Ezekiel Whitman, 51 

1822 Albion K. Parris, 134 
P^zekiel Whitman, 48 

1823 Albion K. Parris, 148 
William Gould, 4 



1824 Albion K. Parris, 136 

1825 Albion K. Parris, 106 

1826 Enoch Lincoln, 

1827 Enoch Lincoln, 

1828 Enoch Lincoln, 
Joshua Cushman, 

1829 J. G. Hunton, 
Samuel E. Smith, 



80 
209 

138 
1 1 

154 
197 



44 



342 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



1830 Samupx E. Smith, 224 
Jonathan G. Hunton, 190 

183 1 Samuel E, Smith, 193 
Daniel Goodenow, 149 

1832 Samuel E. Smith, 230 
Daniel Goodenow, 144 
Moses Carleton, 20 

1833 Robert P. Dunlap, 138 
Daniel Goodenow, 118 
Thomas A. Hill, 29 
Samuel E. Smith, 37 

1834 Robert P. Dunlap, 221 
Peleg Sprague, 184 

1835 Robert P. Dunlap, 179 
William King, 95 

1836 Robert P. Dunlap, 187 
Edward Kent, 135 

1837 Edward Kent, 204 
Gorham Parks, 1 83 

1838 John Fairfield, 282 
Edward Kent, 260 

1839 John Fairfield, 282 
Edward Kent, 218 

1840 Edward Kent, 266 
John Fairfield, 2>'^Ty 

1841 John Fairfield, 302 
Edward Kent, 224 
Jeremiah Curtis, 19 

1842 John Fairfield, 249 
Edward Robinson, 148 
James Appleton, 40 

1843 Hugh J. Anderson, 164 
P^dward Robinson, 99 
James Appleton, 72 
PMward Kavanagh, 30 

1844 Hu(;h J. Anderson, 274 
Edward Robinson, 2 i 2 
James Appleton, 57 

1845 Huc;h J. Anderson, 195 
Freeman H. Morse, 149 
Samuel Fessenden, 55 



1846 John W. Dana, 141 
David Bronson, 177 
Samuel Fessenden, 114 

1847 John W. Dana, 138 
David Bronson, 127 
Samuel Fessenden, 61 

1848 John W. Dana, 238 
Elijah L. Handin, 175 
Samuel Fessenden, 89 

1849 John Hubbard, 253 
Elijah L. Hamlin, 171 
George F.Talbot, 112 

1850 John Hubbard, 229 
William G. Crosby, 186 
(ieorge F. Talbot, 64 

185 1 No election. Governor 

of 1850 held over. 

1852 William G. Crosby, 159 
John Hubbard, 290 
Ezekiel Holmes, 16 
Anson G. Chandler, 119 

1853 William G. Crosby, 193 
Albert Pillsbury, 200 
Ezekiel Holmes, 61 
Anson P. Morrill, i 17 

1854 Anson P. Morrill, 386 
Albion K. Parris, 86 
Isaac Reed, 39 
Shepard Gary, 25 

1S55 Samuel Wells, 221 

Anson P. Morrill, 384 
Isaac Reed, 36 

1856 Hannibal Hamlin, 452 
Samuel Wells, 186 
George F. Patten, 20 

1857 Lot M. Morrill, 354 
Manasseh H. Smith, 211 

1858 Lot M. Morrill, 437 
Manasseh H. Smith, 264 

1859 Lot M. Morrill, 399 
Manasseh H. Smith, 250 







APPENDIX. 


iS6o 


I. Washburn, Jr., 


428 


1873 




Ephraim K. Smart, 


277 




1861 


I. Washburn, Jr., 


346 


1874 




Charles D. Jameson, 


, 192 






John W. Dana, 


43 


1875 


1862 


Abner Coburn, 


304 






Bion Bradbury, 


225 


1876 




Charles D. Jameson 


, 34 




1863 


Samuel Cony, 


406 


1877 




Bion Bradbury, 


267 




1864 


Samuel Cony, 


373 






Joseph Howard, 


216 


1878 


1865 


Samuel Cony, 


338 






Joseph Howard, 


164 




1866 


J. L. Chainiberlain, 


433 


1879 




Eben F. Pillsbury, 


259 




1867 


J. L. Chamberlain, 


393 






Eben F. Pillsbury, 


234 


1880 


1868 


J. L. Chamberlain, 


452 






Eben F. Pillsbury, 


305 


1881 


1869 


J. L. Chamberlain, 


318 


1882 




Franklin Smith, 


183 






Nathan G. Hichborn 


, 41 


1883 


1870 


Sidney Perham, 


405 


1884 




Charles W. Roberts, 


245 




1871 


Sidney Perham, 


405 






Charles P. Kimball, 


262 




1872 


Sidney Perham, 


466 






Charles P. Kimball, 


277 





343 

Nelson Dingley, Jr. 381 

Joseph Titconib, 240 

Nelson Dingley, Jr. 370 

Joseph Titcomb, 265 

Selden Connor, 451 

Charles W. Roberts, 307 

Selden Connor, 499 

John C. Talbot, 311 

Selden Connor, 348 

Joseph H. Williams, 249 

Henry C. Munson, 79 

Alonzo Garcelon, 176 

Selden Connor, 393 

Joseph L. Smith, 208 

Daniel F. Davis, 439 

Joseph L. Smith, 265 

Alonzo Garcelon, 135 
Harris M. Plaisted, 430 

Daniel F. Davis, 457 
No election. 

Frederic Robie, 434 

Harris M. Plaisted, 429 
No election, 

Frederic Robie, 473 

John B. Redman, 362 

Hosea B. Eaton, 26 



" Lives of great men all remind us, 
We can make our lives sublime, 

And departing leave behind us 

Footprints on the sands of time." 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER 



EARLY FAMILIES OF FARMINGTON. 



The following register is intended to include the families 
of the early settlers in Farmington who have descendants of 
the name living in town. In a few instances, families mov- 
ing into town at a later day have been inserted. 

It is perhaps too much to expect that complete accuracy 
has been obtained in a work necessitating the use of thous- 
ands of names and dates ; but no pains have been spared to 
obtain and verify information in order that these tables may 
go into the hands of those interested in them, free from 
error. 

The method of arrangement is similar to that adopted by 
Hon. Ezra S. Stearns in his admirable History of Rindge, 
N. H. The surname of each family will be found in "Old 
English" at the beginning of every family sketch. The full 
name of the founder of the family in Farmington appears 
in small capitals below. The christian names of children 
alone are given, and are numbered consecutively in Roman 
numerals, i, ii, in, etc. Whenever the names of grandchil- 
dren of the person whose name introduces the paragraph 
appear, they are numbered in Arabic numerals. In the case 



348 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

of grandchildren in the female line, the surname is given. 
The numbers in the margin are consecutive, and persons 
bearing the same family name, are numbered in the order in 
which they are introduced. An asterisk (*) preceding a 
name indicates that the name is repeated as the head of a 
family, and can easily be found by following down the margin 
until its number appears again, in parentheses. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



[Abbreviations: b. stands for l)oni ; d. for died; md. for married; 
unmd. for unmarried; chil. for children; dau. for daughter; jnib. for published; 
s. p. for siiu- prole, or without offs|)ring ; ;/. v. for which see, refers to the name 
of the person in his or her own family register.] 

Abbott, 

Several persons bearing the name of Al^bot emigrated to New England 
in the seventeenth century. We are concerned with but two : George 
Abbot, who came from Yorkshire, England, probably about 1640, and 
was one of the pioneer settlers at Andover, Mass., in 1643; ^"d George 
Abbot, who with three sons, Thomas, George, and Nehemiah, settled in 
Rowley about the same time, and died there in 1647. The former, 
George Abbot of Andover, is the ancestor of the Jacob Abbot family, and 
tlie latter, George Abbot of Rowley, the ancestor of the Asa Abbot 
family. No kinship is known to exist between the two, but there is a 
tradition that the Andover George Abbot was a nephew of the Rowley 
George Abbot. The fact that two bearing the same name came to 
America at so nearly the same time and settled so near together, as well 
as a marked resemblance in the character and tastes of their descend- 
ants, tends to prove the truth of the tradition. Few of the early families, 
with so numerous a posterity, have preserved so unsullied a name as the 
family of Abbot. Not many have been called to important offices in the 
State, but in the Cjuieter walks of literature and the pulpit they have won 
enviable fame. Wherever found, their influence is cast on the side of 
good morals and sound learning. The name probably occurs in college 
catalogues more frequently than that of any other New England family, 
and several hundred of the descendants of the George Abbots are 
reckoned among the alumni of American colleges. 

George Abbot of Andover married in 1647, Hannah Chandler, daughter 



45 



350 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

of William and Annis Chandler of Roxbury. His house, one of the 
most substantial of that time, was used as a garrison for many years. He 
died Dec. 24, 1681. and his widow married Rev. Francis Dane of Andovcr. 
She died June 11, 171 1, aged 82. 

The twelfth of the thirteen children of George and Hannah Abbot was 
Nathaniel, born July 5, 1671. He resided in Andover, was a member of 
Rev. Thomas Barnard's church, and died Dec. 12, 1749. He married, 
Nov. I, 1695, Dorcas Hibbert, and they were the parents of eleven 
children. Joseph, the fourth child of Nathaniel and Dorcas Abbot, was 
born Feb. 2, 1705, and lived in Andover until about 1776, when he 
removed to Wilton, N. H., where his son had previously gone. He was 
a deacon in the Congregational Church, and respected for his piety. His 
wife, whom he married Aug. 12, 1731, was Deborah Blanchard, who died 
in 1773. He died in Wilton in 1787. The tenth of the fourteen chil- 
dren of Joseph and Deborah Abbot, was Jacob, who was born March 22, 
1746, and removed to Wilton, N. H., when a young man, and built the 
first mills on the Souhegan River in Wilton. He first represented Wilton 
in the General Court, was the first Justice of the Peace, and was also 
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and Councillor of the State. He 
removed to Andover, Mass., where he was a trustee of Phillips Academy, 
and in 1797 made a residence in Concord, N. H., which town he repre- 
sented in the General Court for three terms. In 1802 he moved with his 
family to Brunswick, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a 
Senator in the Maine Legislature, and a member of the Board of Over- 
seers of Bowdoin College. He married Lydia Stevens in 1767, who 
survived him. His death occurred March 5, 1820. Of the ten children 
of Jacob and Lydia Abbot, only five lived to adult life, and of these, three 
settled in Franklin County. Lydia, the oldest, married in 1789 Thomas 
Russell of Temple. Phebe, married Benjamin Abbot of Temple, a distant 
kinsman, and was the mother of a noble family of twelve children, 
among whom were Phebe, wife of Dr. John Barker of Wilton, and mother 
of Dr. Fordyce Barker, a distinguished New York physician; Hannah,' 
wife of Rev. Enos Merrill, and mother of E. I. and I. W. Merrill of 
Farmington ; Dorcas, wife of Dr. Lafayette Perkins of Farmington ; Salva, 
wife of the Rev. Charles Freeman, formerly of Limerick ; Benjamin 
Abbot, Esq., late of Temple; Lucy, wife of Rev. John A. Douglass, 
formerly of Waterford ; Lydia, wife of John Titcomb of Farmington ; 
John S. Abbot, a well-known lawyer, late of Watertown, Mass. ; Abiel 
Abbot, formerly a resident of Watertown, Mass. ; and Abigail, wife of 
Hannibal Hamlin of Boston. Jacob, eldest son of Jacob and Lydia 
Abbot, will be hereafter noticed. 

Of the three sons of George Abbot of Rowley, the eldest, George, 
settled in Andover in 1655, where he married, in May, 1658, Sarah 
Farnum, and died March 22, 1689. The fifth of the ten children of 
George and Sarah Abbot, was Nehemiah, a deacon in liie church at 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



351 



Andover and a representative to General Court. He married in 1691, 
Abigail Lovejoy, who was the mother of his seven children. Nehemiah, 
Jr.. his eldest son, was a resident of Lexington, Mass., and deacon of the 
church there. His wife, whom he married in 1714, was Sarah Foster. 
Of their five children, the youngest, Joseph, who was born June 8, 1727, 
lived in Lincoln, Mass. He married Sarah White, and they were the 
parents of seven children, two of whom, Joseph and Asa, came to 
Sydney in this State. Asa married Hephzibah Brooks, and among his 
children were Asa Abbott of f^armington, the Hon. Nehemiah Abbott of 
Belfast, and Rev. Howard B. Abbott, a graduate of Bowdoin College in 
the class of 1836, and a member of the Maine M. E. Conference. Asa 
Abbott, Sr., died Jan. 10, 1834, and his wife died April 19, 1815. 



Jacob Abbot, eldest son of Jacob and Lydia (Stevens) 
Abbot, was b. Oct. 20, 1776, in Wilton, N. H. Having 
md., April 8, 1798, Betsey Abbot, a distant kinswoman, he 
left New Hampshire in 1800 for a home in Hallowell, Me. 
The immediate purpose of his removal was to care for the 
interests of the Phillips and Weld families in the wild 
lands of Maine, among which were those tracts since 
incorporated as the towns of Phillips, Weld, Madrid, 
Salem, Temple, Avon, and Carthage, Mr. Abbot after- 
wards made a temporary residence in Brunswick, but 
subsequently having himself become a large proprietor in 
the lands, moved to Weld in order that he might better 
oversee their settlement. It was largely owing to his 
influence and that of his father and other kinsmen, that 
the early settlers of the Phillips and Weld townships were 
of so moral and religious a character. In 1836 Mr. Abbot 
removed to Farmington and purchased of the widow of 
Stephen Titcomb, Jr., the estate on the southern border of 
village, known as " Few Acres." Here he passed the 
remainder of his life and d. in 1847. His wife, who was b, 
in Concord, N. H., Aug. 6, 1773, d. July 30, 1846. 

Although Mr. Abbot came to Farmington after his 
active life was past, he yet exerted a marked influence on 
the town. He brought with him those courtesies and 
refinements of life which characterized the larger world in 
which he had been accustomed to move. To his example 
and influence, the village is indebted for its system of 
planting trees along the streets, which contributes so much 
to the beauty of the place. Strict integrity, a peace-loving 
disposition, and a true courtesy, were his prominent 
characteristics. Seven children : — 

I. Sallucia, b. in Hallowell, Aug. 7, 1801 ; resides at 

Farmington ; unmd. 
11. *Jacob, b. in Hallowell, Nov. 14, 1803. 
III. *Juhn Stevens Cabot., b. in Brunswick, Sept. 18, 1805. 



352 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(3) 



IV. *Gor/iafn Diitnmer, b. in Brunswick, Sept. 3, 1807. 
V. Clara, b. Oct. 28, 1809; md. May 21, 1843, 
Elbridge G. Cutler, q. v. Resides at Farm- 
ington. 
VI. Charles Edwards, b. Dec. 24, 18 11 ; graduated at 
Bowdoin College in 1832, and at Andover 
Seminary in 1837 ; md. Nov. 25, 1841, Mary 
E. Spaulding. For many years a successful 
teacher in New York and Hartford, Conn. 
His death occurred July 24, 1880. 
VII. Samuel Phillips, b. Dec. 8, 1814; graduated at 
Bowdoin College in 1836, and at Andover 
Seminary in 1840, and was ordained to the 
ministry at Houlton. He md., June 12, 1841, 
Hannah Barker of Nottingham, PLngland. In 
1843 he leased from his brother Jacob, the 
Little Blue property, and there opened a family 
school for boys in February, 1844. The school 
had obtained a successful start, when Mr. 
Abbott d., June 29, 1849. -^^^ ^'\ie. survived 
him but three weeks, until July 22. They left 
no children. 



Jacob Abbott passed his early life in Brunswick and 
Hallowell, where he fitted for college at the Hallowell 
Academy. He entered the sophomore class at Bowdoin 
College, when but fourteen years of age, and was grad- 
uated with the class of 1820. Upon leaving college, Mr. 
Abbott taught a year in Portland, and subsequently entered 
Andover Theological Seminary to prepare for the Congre- 
gational ministry ; and with the exception of several 
months in which he taught school in Beverly, remained at 
Andover until 1824. In the fall of 1824, he accepted an 
invitation to a tutorship of mathematics at Amherst Col- 
lege. The following year he assumed the professorship of 
mathematics and natural philosophy, which chair he held 
until 1829. From 1829 to 1832, Mr. Abbott was con- 
nected with the famous Mt. Vernon School for girls, in 
Boston. In 1834 the Eliot Church at Roxbury was 
formed, and came under the pastoral care of Mr. Abbott 
for the two following years. The period of his literary ac- 
tivity began with the publication of the "Young Christian" 
in 1832. The appearance of this book marked an era in 
religious literature. No attempt had been made before to 
bring the plain facts of the Christian life within the grasp 
of the young. The effort thus made by Mr. Abbott met 
with warm appreciation, and the " Young Christian " was 
greeted with enthusiasm wherever it went. During the 
first year 9000 copies were sold, and its reception in 




^c.^^ j4-e^.r-u- 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 353 

F^ngland, Scfiland, France, and Germany, was no less 
rtattcring than in America. Tiie three remaining vol- 
umes of the series soon followed, and met with equal 
success. To these "Young Christian" books, thousands 
are indebted for their Christian faith, and many men of 
highest powers, as F. W. Robertson, ascribe the foundation 
of their belief to the reading of these works. 

In 1837 Mr. Abbott removed with his family to Farm- 
ington, purchased the Little Blue property, and built a 
little cottage, which has become by a series of transforma- 
tions the present mansion on that estate. Here his next 
six years were spent in incessant literary labor. The 
" Rollo Books," the " Lucy Books," and the " Jonas 
Books," belong to this period. From 1843 to 1851, Mr. 
Abbott was engaged with his brothers in teaching in New 
York City, and upon retiring from the school he contmued 
to reside in New York, resuming his active literary lite. 
Between 1848 and 1872, when he laid aside his pen, no 
less than one hundred and thirty books were written and 
published by him, while the entire list of the published 
works written and compiled by him, comprises no less than 
two hundred and eleven titles. During this period, Farm- 
ington was his summer home. His visits to Farmington 
grew longer, his stays in New York shorter, and in 1870 
Few Acres became his permanent residence. The last 
ten years of his life were spent in comparative leisure, his 
bodily strength gradually growing weaker, until Oct. 31, 
1879, when the end came. 

Such in brief outline are the main facts of the outward 
life of a man to the strength and beauty of whose inner 
life no memoir can do justice. So perfectly rounded was 
his character, that it is difficult to point out any traits 
which can fairly be called leading characteristics. To 
those who knew him best, he will ever remain the ideal 
Christian gentleman. It may perhaps in truth be said 
that of his intellectual faculties, his judgment was the 
most remarkable. It seemed a tool perfectly fitted to his 
use, entirely unbiassed by prejudice and unwarped by 
emotion or passion. He was thus unable to treat anyone 
with injustice, and it is owing as much to this as to any 
other cause that he was, to use the words of an eminent 
man of letters, " the best teacher ever seen." In his 
intercourse with others, and particularly with his fellow- 
townsmen, his modesty was most marked. He rarely 
expressed an opinion, but always received the opinions of 
others with deference. He had the rare faculty of draw- 
ing out all that was best in those with whom he talked, 
making them feel that he was their debtor for some fact 
or thought. With the people of the village he mingled 



354 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



lO 

1 1 

12 
14 



(4) 



little, but always welcomed to his home such as came to 
hncl him. Particularly were little children welcome, and 
his power over them was almost unlimited. Of him, as 
of Richter, it may be said, " He loved God and little 
children." 

Mr. Abbott was twice married : May 18, 1828, to 
Harriet, daughter of Charles Vaughan of Hallowell ; she d. 
Sept. 12, 1843, and he md. (2) Nov., 1853, Mrs. Mary 
Dana Woodbury, who d. April, 1866. Six children by 
first marriage : — 

I. ^Benjamin Vaughan, b. in P>oston, Mass., June 4, 

1830. 
11. * Austin, b. in Boston, Dec. 18, 1831. 

Frances Elizabeth, b. in Boston, May 31, 1834; d. 
Dec. 1 1, 1834. 
*Lyman, b. in Roxbury, Mass., Dec. 18, 1S35. 
* Edward, b. in Farmington, July 15, 1841. 
George, b. in Farmington, Sept., 1843 ; d. in 
infancy. 



III. 

IV. 

V. 

VI. 



John Stevens Cabot Abbott graduated at Bowdoin 
College in the famous class of 1825, and subsequently at 
Andover Seminary. In 1830 he was ordained to the 
ministry of the Congregational Church, and was first 
settled in Worcester, Mass. He succeeded his brother 
Jacob as pastor of the Eliot Church in Roxbury in 1836, 
and later was settled at Nantucket. He relinquished the 
pulpit in 1844 for literature and teaching. With his 
brothers he was associated in the conduct of the New 
York school for young ladies until 185 1, when the school 
was closed. His whole attention was then turned to 
literature. Already his "Life of Napoleon" had appeared, 
and the " Red Histories " were under way. In rapid 
succession followed " Kings and Queens," " The French 
Revolution," " Napoleon at St. Helena," and ten volumes 
of illustrated histories. In all, Mr. Abbott wrote fifty-two 
volumes, nearly all of an historical character. Among his 
later works were the " Romance of Spanish History " and 
"The History of Frederick the Great." For two years, 
1858 and 1859, Mr. Abbott was acting pastor of the 
Congregaaonal Church at Farmington, and resided there 
with his family. From 1866 to 1868, he also was acting 
pastor at Fair Haven, Conn., but the main work of his 
life was literature. He was a facile writer, and his books 
were and still are highly popular, and enjoy a large sale. 
Their infiuence has been marked in making the study of 
history interesting and fascinating. As a speaker, Mr. 
Abbott was no less fascinating than as a writer. His 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 355 

sermons were eloquent and his delivery dramatic. Many 
of the discourses preached at Farmington are still remem- 
bered and discussed. As a pastor he was deeply beloved. 
His warm sympathies, his generous impulses, won the 
love as his uniform courtesy won the respect of the com- 
munity in which he lived. His death occurred at New 
Haven, Conn., June 17, 1S77. Mr. Abbott md., Aug. 17, 
1830, Jane Williams Bourne of Boston, who sur\'ives him. 
Nine children : — 

I. John Bourne., b. in Worcester, Mass., Nov. 29, 

183 1 ; d. May 24, 1839. 
II. Jane Maria, b. in Worcester, Nov. 15, 1833; md. 
Aug. 27, 1873, Oliver Johnson of New York 
City. 

III. IValdo, b. in Roxbury, Mass., Sept. 8, 1836; md. 

Feb. 7, i860, Julia M. Flolmes of New Orleans; 
d. at Key West, Pla., July 7, 1864. 

IV. Harriet Vaughan, b. in Roxbury, Feb. 18, 1839 ; 

md., Aug. 6, 1863, Rev. Horatio O. Ladd. 
V. Ellen WiUianis, b. in Roxbury, Jan. 11, 1841. 
VI. Laura Sallucia, b. at Nantucket, Mass., Oct. 30, 
1843; md. June 29, 1871, Albert H. Buck, 
M. D., of New York City. 
VI (. Elizabeth Ballister, b. at New York City, March 
i.q, 1847 ; d. at New Haven, Conn., Feb. 23, 
1864. 
VIII. Emma Susan, b. at New York City, July 12, 
1849; ''''"^•> ^^y 4' 1S70, Edward S. Mead of 
New York City. 
IX. Gorha?n Dummer, b. at New York City, March 
29, 185 I ; md., April i, 1882, Flla J. Soper oL 
Lowell, Mass. 



GoRHAM Dummer Abbott graduated at Bowdoin Col- 
lege in 1826, and subsequently at Andover Seminar}-. 
Alter completing his theological course, he made a tDur 
of the United States and Europe tor the purpose of exam- 
ining educational methods, and with the exception of a 
short pastorate in a Presbyterian Church at New. Rochelle, 
N. Y. (1S37-1841), and two years in which he was agent 
of the "American S )ciely for the Diffusion of flseful 
Knowledge " (1841-1843). Mr. Abbott's acti\e life was 
devoted to teaching. The project of o|)ening a young 
ladies' school in New York, on a similar plan to the Mt. 
Vernon school of Boston, was formed by liim as early as 
1840, and having induced his older brother Jacob to join 
him in the undertaking, the school was opened in 1843. 
With this school tlie five brothers were at differenl times 



356 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(9) 



27 
28 



(10) 



29 



connected. So successful was the venture, that the fol- 
lowing year the school was divided, Mr. Gorham Abbott 
removing to a new location, and in 1848 a fine building in 
Union Square was erected for him, known as the " Sping- 
ler Institute." Mr. Abbott continued to teach successfully 
until 1866. In connection with his profession, he also 
wrote several books, principally on educational topics. 
His last days were spent in Natick, Mass., where he died 
in 1874. He md., Feb. 11, 1834, Rebecca S., daughter of 
Joseph S. Leach of South Natick. One child : — • 

I. Elizabeth Rebecca, b. at New Rochelle, N. Y., 
April II, 1840; d. at Long Branch, N. J., Aug. 
13, 1850. 



Benjamin Vaughan Abbott was educated in New 
York, and admitted to the New York bar in 185 i. He is 
well known as the compiler of many valuable law reports, 
and the author of law books, among which are : New 
York Digest, National Digest, Digest of Corporations, 
United States Digest in twenty-two volumes, United 
States Practice, Law Dictionary, and Judge and Jury. 
He was also one of the commissioners by whom the 
United States Statutes were revised in 1870-73. Mr. 
Abbott md., Sept. 21, 1853, Elizabeth, daughter of John 
Titcomb, q. v. Four children : — 

I. Arthur Vaughan, b. in Brooklyn, N. Y., July iS, 

1854; md., Feb. 5, 1885, Rosa Genevra Shaw 

of Brooklyn, N. Y. A civil engineer in New 

York City. 

II. Eihmn Dane, b. in New York City, July 10, 1859 ; 

d. Sept. 25, i860, 
in. Alice Dane, b. in New York City, Oct. 12, 1861. 
IV. Florence Vaughan, b. in New York City, Sept. 12, 
1863 ; d. April 24, 1865. 

Austin Abbott was educated in the City of New York, 
and admitted to the New York bar about 1852. He 
entered into partnership with his brother, Benjamin V. 
Abbott, and has co-operated with him in the preparation 
of legal treatises and digests. He md., Nov. 2, 1854, 
Kllen Louisa Dummer, daughter of Samuel K. and Lucy 
Gorham (Dunmier) Oilman of Hallowell, a lady of rare 
excellence. She d. Dec. 28, 1877, and he md. (2) Sept. 
24, 1879, Mrs. Anna Worth of Brooklyn, N. Y. Two 
children : — 

I. Lucy Gilman, b. in New York City, Sept. 7, 185S. 
11. Willard, b. in New York City, Sept. 30, i860 ; d. 
in Farmington, Sept. 20. 1865. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



357 



L^■^IAN Abbott graduated at the University of the City 
of New York in 1853, and first studied law, practicing in 
partnership with iiis brothers. He afterwards studied 
theology with his uncle, J. S. C. Abbott, and was ordained 
to the Congregational ministry at Farmington in i860. 
The same year he took charge of the First Congregational 
Church of Terre Haute, Ind., where he remained until 
1865. For three years, between 1865 and 1868, he was 
secretary of the American Union (freedmen's) Commission, 
and from 1866 to 1869 was aho pastor of the New England 
Church of New York City. Since i86g, Dr. Abbott has 
devoted himself mainly to literature. For eleven years, 
1 868-1879, h^ edited the Literary Record of Harpers 
Magazine, and conducted for some time the JUiistrated 
Christian Weekly. In 1876 he became joint editor of the 
Christiati Union with Rev, Henry Ward Beecher, and has 
had entire control of the paper since 188 1. The following 
list includes the books of which Dr. Abbott is author or 
editor : 

H. W. Beecher's Sermons : edited by L. A., 1868 ; H, 
W. Beecher's Morning and Evening Exercises: edited by 
L. A., 1869 ; Life of Jesus, 1869 ; Old Testament Shadows 
of New Testament Truths, 1870; Laicus, 1872 ; Dictionary 
of Religious Knowledge, 1874; Commentaries on the 
Gospels and Acts, 1875-18S0; The Gospel History, by 
J. R. Gilmore and Lyman Abbott, 1881 ; Abbott's Notes 
on the New Testament, revised by L, A., 1882 ; Book of 
Family Worship, edited by L. A., 1883; Portrait of H. \V. 
Beecher, with editorial supervision by L. A., 18S3. 

Dr. Abbott is a man of broad and catholic sympathies, 
and of keen insight in spiritual truth, and his infiuence is 
marked both as a writer and speaker. He has been hon- 
ored by his aitna mater with the degree of doctor of divinity. 

His marriage with Abby, daughter of Hannibal and 
Abigail (Abbot) Hamlin, took place Oct. 14, 1857. Six 
children • — 



Laurence Fraser, b. in Brooklyn, N. Y., June 25, 
1859; graduated at .'\mherst College in 1880; 
and was afterwards connected with the business 
department of the Christian Union. 

Harriet Frances, b. in Terre Haute, Ind., Oct. i^, 
i860. 

Herbert Vaughaii, b. in Terre Haute, Jan. 3, 1865. 

Frnest, b. at Cornwall-on-Hudson, N. Y., April .18, 
1870. 

Theodore, b. at Cornwall-on-Hudson, July 20, 1872. 

Beatrice Vail, b. at Cornwall-on-Hudson, Feb. 15, 
1875- 



HI. 
IV. 



46 



358 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(13) 



37 
38 
39 



Edward Abbott graduated from the University of the 
City of New York in i860, and studied at Andover 
Theological Seminary. In 1862-3 he served in the 
Sanitary Commission. He was ordained to the Congre- 
gational ministry at Farmington in June, 1863, and was 
installed at the Stearns Chapel in Cambridgeport in 1865. 
This mission was through his efforts built up into a strong- 
church, now known as the Pilgrim Church. In 1869 he 
resigned his pastorate to become associate editor of the 
Congregationalist and Bostori Recorder. His connection 
with this paper ceased in 1877, when he assumed control 
of the Literary World., one of the foremost critical papers 
of the country. In 1879 he took orders in the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, and is now rector of St. James Parish, 
Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Abbott has been an extensive 
contributor to the periodical press, and has besides pub- 
lished several volumes : The Baby's Things, 187 i ; Good 
Things (edited) 187- ; Conversations of Jesus, 1875; 
Pilgrim Papers, 1872-1875 ; A Paragraph History of the 
United States, 1875 ; A Paragraph History of the Amer- 
ican Revolution, 1876; Revolutionary Times, 1876; Long 
Look House (series), 1877-1878; A Trip Eastward, 1880; 
Abbott's Young Christian, edited, with a memoir of the 
author, 1882. 

Mr. Abbott has twice married : Feb. 16, 1865, Clara 
E. Davis, who d. May 25, 1882 ; (2) Aug. 21. 1883, Mrs. 
Katherine (Kelly) Dunning of Cambridge, Mass. Three 
children by hrst marriage : — 

I. Edward Apthorp, b. in Cambridge, Mass., Nov. 

18, 1867. 
ir. Aladeline Vaiighan, b. in Cambridge, Feb. 20, 

1871. 
III. Eleanor Hallowell, b. in Cambridge, Sept. 22, 
1872. 



Asa Abbot, the eldest son of Asa Abbot of Sydney 
and of his wife Hephzibah Brooks, was born in Sydney, 
Nov. 7, 1793, and died in Farmington, Feb. 16, 1863. 
Mr. Abbot came to this town about 1815, and purchased 
a farm upon Porter's Hill — the same now owned by 
Charles E. Jones — where he made his home until 1827, 
cultivating and improving the land. At that time he 
became interested in mercantile pursuits, and engaged in 
trade at the Center Village. He was successful as a 
merchant until failing health compelled him to withtiraw 
from active business, and he removed to a farm near the 
village, where he passed the remainder of his life. Mr. 
Abbot was a man of much iniellectual \igor, and was 
liberal and generous in Jiis impulses. He possessed a 




..^^^^^/^^l 



GEiVEALOGlCAL REGISTER. 359 

s;ood education, and was a successful school-teacher in 
town for many years. For more than thirty years he 
served as a trustee of Farmington Academy. He md., 
Nov. 3, 1818, Caroline Williams (b. July 19, 1800; d. May 
6, 1826), daughter of Lemuel and Martha (Williams) 
Tobey, and granddaughter of Rev. Abraham Williams, 
pastor of the church at Sandwich, Mass. Mr. Abbot md. 
(2) Dec. 16, 1827, Elizabeth Mayhew, daughter of P^dward 
Butler, q. v., who survives him. Fourteen children : — 

1. Martha Cafolme Hcp/iziba/i, b. Sept. 18, 18 19; 

md. May 9, 1837, Samuel Belcher, g. v. 
II. Caroline, b. Nov. 16, 1820; d. Aug. 20, 1821. 

III. * Alexander Hamilton, b. Sept. 14, 1822. 

IV. William Tobey, b. May 22, 1824; md., Nov. 29, 

1849, R- Brenda, daughter of Simeon C. Whit- 
tier of Hallowell. 4 chil. {Vide page 303.) 
v. Asa, b. April 22, 1826 ; d. May 18, 1826. 

Second marriage : 

VI. Henry Titcovw, b. June 16, 1S30; d. April 28, 

1832. 
VII. Caroline Belcher, b. Sept. i, 1832 : md., Aug. 8, 
1854, Dr. Mark S. Blunt; resides at Mt. Ver- 
non, Ind. 
VIII. Ellen Kelley Butler, b. Nov. 17, 1834; md., July 
16, 1853, Samuel G. Craig, q. v. ; d. July 14, 
1861. 
IX. Asa Henry, b. Nov. 25, 1836 ; d. Aug. 7, 1837. 
X. Ann Elizabeth, b. July 14, 1838; md., Jan., 1859, 
Nathan W., son of Nathan W. Backus, Sr., q. v. ; 
md. (2) March 10, 1S83, Charles W. Fish of 
Elkhart, Ind. 
XI. Sa?niiel Belcher, b. May 7, 1843 '■< ^- Sept. 13, 

1845. 
xii. Mary Butler, b. Jan. 29, 1846 ; md., June, 1864, 
Herman Fisher. 

XIII. Mittic Belcher, b. Sept. 10, 1849; md., Aug. 31, 

1872, Charles H. Newton; resides at Wor- 
cester, Mass. 

XIV. Edward Augustus, b. Oct. 16, 1850; md., March 

24, 1878, Abbie Jeanette Beecher. Is a drug- 
gist, and resides at Savannah, Ga. 



Alexander H. Abbott received his preparatory educa- 
tion at Farmington Academy, and graduated from Bowdoin 
College in 1840, at the age of eighteen. The following 
year he became principal of Farmington Academy, hold- 
ing the position until 1849, when he took charge of the 



36o 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



i6 



17 
18 

20 



Abbott Family School as its principal and proprietor. Mr. 
Abbott has made this school, founded by Rev. Samuel 
Phillips Abbott in 1844, one of the most prominent insti- 
tutions for the education of boys in the State ; and it has 
been generously patronized by students from every section 
of the country. Mr. Abbott possesses rare scholarly 
attainments, and is thoroughly devoted to his work. He 
served as supervisor of common schools for Franklin 
County, and also as a member of the board of trustees of 
the Maine State Normal Schools. He has twice married : 
Sept. 13, 1849, M. Mittie, daughter of Hiram Belcher, q. v.\ 
she d. Oct. I, 1863 ; (2) Nov. i, 1864, Mrs. Frances 
(Gilkison) Martin of Fort Wayne, Ind. Five children : — 

I. Wallace Bdchcr, b. }w\\ 16, 1S51; d. Oct. 4, 
1852. 

Second marriage : 

II. Geddes Gilkison^ b. Feb. 9, 1866. 

III. Fannie Caroline, b. July 5, 186S. 

IV. May Louisa, b. May 27, 1870. 

V. Samuel Belcher, b. May 17, 1872. 



Among the earliest of the New England settlers was Henry Adams, 
who came from England to this country with his eight sons previous to 
1634. From these sons, who settled in different places, the various 
Adams families are descended. From Joseph, the oldest, the family 
of President John Adams traces its descent. The Adams family of Farm- 
ington are sprung from Samuel, a younger son of Henry, who settled at 
Chelmsford, Mass., about 1654, and built the first mills, and also the first 
church, near the present site of the City of Lowell. Samuel was the 
grandfather of Benjamin Adams, whose son William married Elizabeth 
Richardson, and was the father of Solomon Adams who came to Farm- 
ington. 



Solomon Adams was born at Chelmsford, now Lowell, 
Mass., Dec. 7, 1758, and entered the Revolutionary Army 
at the commencement of the war, in which he served until 
1781, during which year he came to the Sandy River 
township and made improvements on the farm now 
owned by the heirs of Charles L. Stewart, being lot No. 
36, east side. He subsequently bought of Samuel Keen 
the adjoining lot, No. 35, thereby making a large and 
valuable farm. He soon built a log-house and a framed 
barn. The latter, with all its effects, was burned in 1788. 
He built his framed house, a part of the same now occupied 
by Mrs. Stewart, in 1788, and moved into it the same 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 36 1 

year. Mr. Adams was a practical land-surveyor, and 
assisted Joseph North in completing the survey of the 
town, probably in 1784, and subsequently lotted a number 
of townships in this and adjoining counties, among which 
was the town of Kingfield. He was frequently employed 
by Mr. R. H. Gardiner in surveying his land in Gardiner. 
Mr. Adams was the last clerk of the Colburn Associates, 
and upon the incorporation of the town in 1794, was 
elected its moderator, and in 1795 ''^^ town clerk, a pos- 
ition which he held for seven consecutive years. He was 
also elected chairman of the board of selectmen in 1802, 
and town treasurer in the years 1807-8. He held various 
offices in the militia, one of which was major. Mr. Adams 
erected, at great expense for the time, a cotton-factory 
upon the Wilson Stream in Wilton, which he operated 
successfully for some years, in connection with his son 
William. The results of the War of 1812 ruined the 
business, and the enterprise was abandoned at a heavy 
loss, which considerably impaired Mr. Adams' fortune. 
For several years the business of tanning was carried on 
profitably by him upon the home farm. Mr. Adams, in all 
the public relations in which he was called to act, 
discharged his duties with credit to himself and to the 
satisfaction of his constituents and employers. Just and 
accurate in all his dealings, generous in his disposition, 
and courteous in his intercourse, he preserved the esteem 
of all. He died in the town of Vienna, on his way to 
Gardiner on a surveying trip, in consequence of being 
thrown from his gig, Nov, 4. 1833. He md., March 16, 
1786, Hannah, daughter of Samuel Butterfield, q. v.; she 
d. March 20, 1856, aged 94. Eight children : — 

I. Elizabeth, b. March 5, 1787 ; md., in 1806, John 

F. Woods, Jr., q. v. ; d. Aug. 10, 1875. 
II. * William, b. Nov. 4, 1788. 

III. Hannah, b. Oct. 6, 1791 ; md., Oct. 15, 1811, 

Nathaniel Woods, q. v.\ d. March 15, 1841. 

IV. Sarah, b. Oct. 15, 1793; md. Nov. 30, 1815, 

Joseph Blake; d. July 4, 1818. i child, 
v. * Solomon, b. June 15, 1796. 
VI. John. Richardson, b. April 6, 1799 ; d. Jan. 17, 

1820; unmd. 
VII. * Benjamin, b. Sept. 23, 1801. 

VIII. Lucy, b. June 30, 1805; md., Nov. 27, 1851, 
Jacob Lufkin, s. p. 



William Adams taught school in early life, but upon 
the building of the cotton-factory at Wilton by his father, 
became its overseer. After the mill was closed, Mr. 



3^2 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



II 

12 
15 



16 

18 

(6) 



19 



20 



21 

22 

23 

24 

(8) 



Adams retired to his farm, the same now occupied by his 
son, John R. Adams, and devoted the remainder of his 
hfe to agriculture. He md., Oct. 15, [811, Anna, daughter 
of Thomas Hiscock, q. v. His death occurred June 12, 
1862. She d. Dec. 10, 1S65. Nine children : — 

I. Thomas Hiscock, b. March 14, 1813 ; d. Aug. 17, 
1836 ; unnid. 
Hannah, b. Oct. 19, 1815 ; d. Feb., 1839; unmd. 
IVilliatn, b. Aug. 21, 1817; d. Aug. 22, 1839; 

unmd. 
Nancy, b. Aug. 4, 1819; md., March 12, 1840, 

Peter Corbett, q. v. 
*John Richardson, b. Aug. 17, 182 1. 
Benjamin, b. April 7, 1823. Studied law with 
Hon. R. Goodenow, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1847. He began the practice of his 
profession at New Portland, but removed in 
1870 to North Anson, where he now resides. 
Md., June 28, 1849, Eliza B. Sawyer of New 
Portland, b. Jan. 11, 1824. 3 chil. 
VII. Samuel, b. April 7, 1823 ; d. March, 1826. 
VIII. Lucy Jane, b. Oct. 6, 1829 ; d. March, 1833. 
IX. Boily, b. Sept. 3, 1835 ; d. Nov. 4, 1835. 



II. 
III. 



IV. 



V. 
VI. 



Solomon Adams, Jr., succeeded to that part of the 
homestead farm now owned by Gustavus Hayes. Having 
met with pecuniary reverses, he removed to Illinois, and 
after spending a few years there made a home in Aroostook 
County. He md., March 21, 18 16, Sarah, daughter of 
Jonas Butterfield, Jr., ^. v.; d. at Presque Isle, Feb. 12, 1856. 
She d. May 8, 188*3. Six children : — 

I. Solomon, 3d, b. Feb. 14, 1819; md., Sept., 1844, 
Martha S. Sawyer; d. Oct. 30, 1859; she d. 
in 1853. 
II. Jonas Butterfield, b. Jan. 31, 1821; d. Oct. 19, 
1859. 

III. Sarah, b. Feb. 4, 1823 ; unmd. 

IV. Ellas Hutchins, b. Jan. 21, 1825; md., in 1S53, 
Celia Grant. They reside in the West. 

James Eaton, b. July 13, 1829; d. in 1859. 
Elvira, b. Sept. 25, 1838; d. Aug. 7, 1839. 

Benjamin Adams settled on the homestead farm where 
he made his home for life. Mr. Adams was for many 
years a deacon in the Free-Will Baptist Church, and was 
a liberal supporter of education and religion. He md., 
May 29, 1834, Margaret, daughter of Joseph Riant, q. v. ; 
she d. Feb. 18, 1871, and he survived her but a few weeks, 
dying April 2, 187 1. Three children : — 



V. 
VI. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



l^l 



25 
26 
27 



(14) 



28 



30 
31 

(26) 



32 
33 

34 

35 
36 



I. Luiy, b. April 15, 1S35 ; d. Oct. 3, 1S56 ; unmd, 
II. * Thomas Hiscock, b. July 27, 1836. 
III. Margaret Ann, b. Sept. 21, 1838; md., Oct. 28, 
1863, Silas W. Cook of Levviston. 



John R. Adams resides on the farm formerly occupied 
by his father, being the northern part of the original 
homestead. He md., Dec. 6, 1849, Sarah, daughter of 
Eben Knowlton, q. v.\ she d. Feb. 4, 1854, and he md. (2) 
Sept. 21, 1857, Nancy K., sister of his first wife; she d. 
July 19, 1875. Four children : — 

I. Emma Viola, b. Nov. 28, 185 1 ; d. Jan. 22, 1862. 
II. William Henry, b. Jan. 21, 1854; d. Jan. 18, 
1862. 

Second marriage : 

HI. John Frank, b. March 13, 1863. 
IV. Mattie York, b. Sept. 26, 1869. 



Thomas H. Adams learned the carpenter's trade in 
early life, but in August, 1861, abandoned it for the 
furniture business. He has succeeded in building up a 
fine trade, and has for many years been regarded as one 
of the most enterprising business men in town. He md., 
Sept. 6, 1857, Hannah E., daughter of Amasa Corbett, 
q. V. Four children : — 

I. Edith Ann, b. April 5, i860; md., March 22, 
1884, Frederic Eugene Whitney, i child : — 
I. Frederic Adams Whitney, b. at Oakland, 
Cal., April 18, 1885. 
II. Frederic Perkins, b. Nov. 16, 1863. 
in. Edwin Thomas, b. Oct. 21, 1871. 
IV. Daniel Beale, b. Oct. 2, 1875 ; d. Sept. 10, 1S76, 



AUcm 

Allen is the name of an ancient family in the County of Durham, 
England, and of another family which lived in the County of Essex, 
England. From one of these families, William Allen, a native Of 
Martha's Vineyard, who came to the Sandy River settlement in 1792, was 
descended. He was of the seventh generation from George Allen, who 
was born in England about 1568, under the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 
and to escape persecution emigrated with his family to America in 
1635. He first settled in that part of Saugus now Lynn, but two years 
later united with others in the purchase of the township of Sandwich, 
where he became a prominent resident. From him are sprung the Aliens 
\>'ho settled on the island of Martha's Vineyard. He was a conscientious 
Puritan, and a member of the Baptist Church. His death occurred May 
2, 1648. 



364 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



William Allen, above named, the eldest son of Dea. 
James and Martha (Athearn) Allen, and grandson of 
Sylvanns and Jane (Homes) Allen, was born Jan. 5, 1756. 
He followed the sea in various capacities until his removal 
to the Sandy River township. He settled upon a portion 
of back lot No. 30, east side, now occupied by Obed N. 
Collins, and prepared a log camp for the reception of his 
family. Here he lived for six years — two miles from any 
road or habitation, with a large and increasing family, 
subjected to the hardships and privations incident to 
pioneer life. Capt. Allen had acquired in early life the 
trade of a clothier, and he conceived the idea of pursuing 
this trade in connection with the cultivation of his farm. 
Upon a small brook which crossed his land, he built a 
fulling-mill, but the motive power proving insufficient, the 
enterprise was abandoned with pecuniary loss. In 1798 
Capt. Allen removed to the Plymouth Patent (Industry), 
where, with the aid of his sons, he erected spacious 
buildings, and brought under cultivation, from an unbroken 
wilderness, a productive and valuable farm. His children 
— six sons and four daughters — all became teachers in the 
public schools of the State, and were successful in the 
various vocations of life. He md., March 10, 1779, Love 
Coffin of Edgartown, b. May 3, 1756; d. in 1831 ; he d. 
in 1842. Eleven children : — 

I. ll'i/Ham, b. in Chilmark, Mass., April 16, 1780. 
First settled in Industry, but in 1812 removed 
to Norridgewock. Honored with the confi- 
dence of his townsmen, he served for twenty- 
two years in the highest offices of that town 
and county. As a writer, he furnished valuable 
historical sketches for the press, and was the 
author of a history of Norridgewock, and one 
of Industry. He md., Sept. 3, 1807, Hannah, 
daughter of Stephen I'itcomb, ij. v. ; d. July i, 
1873. 5 chil. 

II. Bartlett, b. in Chilmark, Aug. 25, 1781 ; md., Jan. 
9, 1809, Lucy, daughter of Benjamin and 
Keturah (Luce) Fairbanks ; she was born Nov. 
29, 1785 ; d. Aug. 25, 1820. Md. (2) Oct. 21, 
182 1, Priscilla Dexter of Martha's Vineyard, 
who d. March 24, 1867. He d. at Vineyard 
Haven, Mass., Jan. 31, 1872. 5 chil. 
III. Ifutnan, b. June 19, 1783; md. Hannah Sewall of 
Bath; d. in 1818. i child; d. in 1854, 

IV. Dclwrah, b. Feb. 13, 1785; md., Jan. 4, 1815, 
Rev. I'homas Merrill, pastor of a Ijaj^tist 
Church in Prospect; d. Jan. 19, 1S66; he d. 
Nov. 10, 1824. 5 chil. 



^tg- 



V^t 





>Z-J 



GEJVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



365 



-^i\ ' Vh. June 12, 1787. Love d. June 14, 1787. 

JanI md. John Robinson of Chilniark, Mass., 
and d. in 1864. 8 chil. 
VII. Love, b. May 16, 1790; md., April 5, 1816, 
George Gower, g. v., and d. Aug. 31, i860. 
5 chil. 
vni. Harrison, b. April 26, 1792; md. Nancy W. 
Eames ; graduated from Bowdoin College in 
1824, and Andover Seminary; he afterwards 
went as a missionary to the Choctaws, and d. 
at Eliot, Miss., in 1831, leaving two sons, who 
d. soon after their father. 
IX. *Johfi, b. March 7, 1795. 

X. James, b. Dec. 2, 1796. First lived in Industry, 
but removed to Bangor in 1825. He md. 
Naomi Sylvester of Norridgewock ; she d. 
Nov. 20, 1834, and he md. in 1836, Elizabeth 
B. Mills; he d. Jan. 20, 1865. 12 chil. 
XT. Clementme, b. March 15, 1800 ; md. Dr. John 
Cook of New Sharon, and d. in Lewiston in 
1853. 5 chil. 



" Rev. John Allen," says the Allen Family Geneal- 
ogy, " was born in a log-cabin in Farmington, where his 
father's family were battling with poverty in their forest 
home. In his early days, he had little privilege of schools 
or instruction ; but when he was seventeen years old he 
attended for a few weeks the Farmington Academy. He 
was afterwards apprenticed to learn the clothier's trade, 
and worked for some time in this business, teaching 
schools in the winter. As a young man he was wild and 
reckless, fond of the excitement of rude frolics. At mus- 
ters, raisings, and other rural gatherings, he was foremost 
in all the wild sports. He was converted at a camp- 
meeting, and at once commenced a new life of earnest 
devotion to the service of Christ. After his conversion, 
camp-meetings had a peculiar charm for him, and he 
attended these gatherings, in all parts of the country, as 
often as he could, so that he is able to enumerate three 
hundred and fifty-six camp-meetings at which he has been 
present, and has taken an active part in the exercises. 
He is known everywhere as ' Camp-meeting John.' Having 
commenced preaching in mature life, he was admitted as a 
member of the Maine Conference, and stationed in differ- 
ent appointments, which he filled with great success. 
After a long period of active work, he was placed on the 
list of superannuated preachers. As a preacher he was 
original and interesting, and as a pastor he was faithful 



366 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



13 

14 

16 

18 

19 

20 
21 

22 



and diligent. Many were added to the church under his 
ministry. He is distinguished £or his wit ; opponents 
have reason to fear an encounter, for none excel him in 
sharp and ready repartee. He served as chaplain in the 
Maine House of Representatives in 1879 and in 188 1." 
Mr. Allen md., Oct. 20, 1820, Annah, daughter of Capt. 
Nathaniel Hersey, q. v. His wife d. June 24. 1875, ^"*^1 
he md. (2) Jan. 9, 1876, Mrs. Sarah Ann Fellows, daughter 
of Enoch and Sarah (Cummings) Whittier. She was b. at 
Athens, Jan. 9, 1814; d. April 29, i88i. Four children: — 

I. Amanda Elvira, b. Aug. 8, 182 1 ; md., March 9, 
1841, Edwin Norton, q. v. 

II. John Wilson, b. Dec. 19, 1823. He was a grad- 
uate of Wesleyan University, and for many 
years a teacher in Norwich, Conn. He md., 
Jan., 1875, Vannie Geyer, and now resides in 
Maiden, Mass. ; s. p. 

in. Clementine Elizabeth, b. Feb. 15, 1827 ; md., June 
4, 185 1, Lewis W. Howes of Belfast; d. at 
Cambridgeport, Mass., May 31, 1S80. 3 chil. 

IV. Augusta Cook, b. Aug. 28, 1831; md., Jul\' 2, 
1854, Capt. John A. IJ. Lothrop, who was 1). 
June 27, 1827, and d. at Foxboro, Mass., Nov. 
15, 1875. 6 children : 

1. Annah Lothrop, b. April 23, 1855; d. 

Aug. 19, 1857. 

2. Margaret Bradford Lothrop, b. July 21, 

1858 ; d. March 15, 1865. 

3. Emily Perry Lothrop, b. Aug. 5, i860; 

d. May 3, 1878. 

4. John Allen Lothrop, b. Sept. 11, 1863. 

5. Alice Lothrop, b. Oct. 2, 1866. 

6. Alexander Bagsler Lothrop, b. Feb. 28, 

1870. 



RuFus Allen was the son of Oliver and Lavinia 
(Hopkins) Allen of Winthrop, and grandson of Edmund 
and Elizabeth (Woodward) Allen of Hallowell. So far as 
known, no relationship exists between his family and that 
of William Allen, although the line of descent in England 
may have been the same. He came to Farmington in 
1794, and purchased a part of back lot No. 20, east side, 
which is regarded as one of the best upland farms in 
town. Here he continued to reside until his death, which 
occurred Oct. 24, 1836. His family, consisting of four 
daughters and five sons, were esteemed for their good 
qualities, and held high rank in social position. In 1794, 
he md. Abigail, daughter of Benjamin and Keturah (Lncc) 
Fairbanks. She was b. Feb. 9. 1776; d. Jan. 12, 1842. 
Nine children : — 



GEiVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 367 

I. Levin a, h. Jan. 22, 1795; mcL, Aug. 6, 1815, 
William Rice, who was b. April 27, 1794; d. 
Aug. 17, 1841. She d, Aug. 11, 1857. 
IF. Betsey, b. Dec, 10, 1797; d. May 27, 1815. 

III. Benjamin, b. July 26, 1798; md., April 7, 1823, 

Sophronia, daughter of Cornelius and Margaret 
(Belcher) Norton, who d. May 25, 1856; md. 
(2) Mrs. Eliza Coombs, and d. Dec. 22, 187 1. 

IV. * Newman Tf-uman, b. May 20, 1801. 

V. IVil/iafn Henry, b. Sept. 3, 1806; md. Ann, 
daughter of Col. Eben Webster of Orono. 
He was a prominent physician in Orono, where 
he d. Jan. 29, 1863. 
VI. Charles Luce, b. Oct. 12, 1809; md. Abigail 
Eveleth ; md. (2) Lauretta Spiller; d. in Pren- 
ticeville, Penn., Aug. 18, 1880. 4 chil. by first 
marriage, 
vii. Hannah, ) 1 a o 

vin. Dennis Fairbanks, S ^- ^^"S" '°' '^^3- 

Hannah md., Dec. 28, 1837, Henry B. Titcomb, 

q. V. 
Dennis md., March, 1837, Mary Ann Frost; d. 
August 28, 1859. 7 chil. 
IX. Betsey Evelina, b. March 8, 1816 ; md., Sept. 22, 
1835, Benjamin M., son of Rufus Smith, q. v. 



Newman Truman Allen settled in Industry, where he 
operated mills in connection with his brother, Benjamin 
Allen, and was also successful in farming. A millwright 
by trade, he excelled in that business, and was engaged 
for several years in the erection of mills upon the Penob- 
scot River. He represented the County of Franklin in 
the Senate of 1849. He md.. May 7, 1823, Eliza, daugh- 
ter of Samuel Belcher, g. v. She d. Feb. 24, 1833. He 
md. (2) Dec. 27, 1837, Sarah Goodridge ; d. Sept. 2, 
1855. 4 chil. 

I. Achsah Elizabeth, b. March i, 1824; md., Jan. 
25, 185 1, Dr. Charles Alexander (zvrt'fr page 
284) ; d. Nov. 13, 1856. I child ; d. young. 
II. Samuel Rufus, b. Sept. 24, 1826 ; md.. May 5, 
1850, Frances Lucinda Boyden ; d. in Industry 
April 3, 1873. 4 chil. 

III. * Charles Augustus, b. Aug. 14, 1830. 

Second marriage : 

IV. Helena Alice, b. Dec. 9, 1840; md., Feb. 17, 1864, 

Joshua G. Bullen. Resides at Winfield, Kan. 
4 chil. 



368 



(13) 



15 
i6 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Charles Augustus Allen is a veteran teacher of 
vocal music, and a dealer in and manufacturer of musical 
instruments. During the Civil War he enlisted in Co. E, 
14th Reg. Me. Vols. He md., Nov. 23, 1862, Betsey 
Eaton, daughter of John T. and Betsey (Wendell) Luce. 
Two children : — 

L Agnes Elizabeth, b. Aug. 12, 1864; graduated at 

the Normal School in 1882. 
n. Alfred Raymond, b. May 28, 1870. 



The founder of this family in Farmington was Nathaniel Backus, 
mentioned below. Nothing has been learned in regard to his ancestry, 
but the family was probably of English origin, and early settled in the 
southeastern part of Massachusetts. It is known that the father of 
Nathaniel came to Farmington with him, and that he died very early in 
the present century and was buried in the old burying-ground near the 
Center Bridge. 



9 

(6) 



Nathaniel Backus was born in Falmouth, Mass., 
Aug. 23, 1 741, O. S., and removed to Farmington in the 
last decade of the last century. He purchased of John 
Tufts the back lot now owned by George Jennings and 
others, where the remainder of his life was spent. He 
md., Jan. 1762, Keziah Price, who d. in 1810. He md. 
(2) Nov. II, 18 II (pub.), Eunice Johnson. He d. in 183 1. 
Eight children by first marriage : — 

L Mary, b. Nov. 24, 1762; md. Timothy Smith; 

d. May, 185 1. He d. suddenly in his field, 

July, 1818. 
n. Eunice, b. Nov. 25, 1765 ; md. March 15, 1788, 

David Cothren, q. v.; md. (2) in 1808, Stephen 

Dillingham ; d. April i, 1841. 
in. John, b. July 3, 176S ; d. at sea; unmd. 
IV. Francis, b. April 25, 177 1 ; d. at Falmouth, Mass., 

leaving a widow and one child. 
V. * Nathan, b. June 10, 1774. 
VI. *Zenas, b. April 2, 1778. 
VII. Sally, b. July 27, 1780; md. Nov. 28, 1799, Louis 

Voter, q. v. ; d. June 4, 1867. 
VIII. Mercy, b. Jan. 15, 1783; md. April 29, 1802, 

Daniel Stanley, g. v.; d. Nov. 24, 1844. 



Nathan Backus in early life went to sea, and engaged 
in the whale fishery. He came with his father from 
Falmouth, Mass., and first settled upon a part of the 
homestead ; but soon abandoned farming, and about 1800 



lO 

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13 
14 

IS 
16 

17 



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19 

20 

21 

22 
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GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 369 

removed to West Farmington, where, as a blacksmith, he 
worked at his trade. Two years later he came to the 
Center Village. About 1804 he erected on the corner of 
Main St. and Broadway, what is known as the Backus 
house, which he kept as a hotel for many years. In the 
early part of the present century, Mr. Backus took the 
contract for the transportation of mails between Farm- 
mgton and Hallowell, and was the first to introduce post 
coaches upon the route. He md., Aug. 5, 1798, Huldah 
daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Smith) Pease. She was b.' 
June 13, 1770, and d. Oct. 18, 1845. He d. April ic, 
1840. Nine children : — 

I. Sarah Smith, b, April 28, 1799; m^l-, Jan. 28, 

1818, Benjamin M. Belcher, q. t. 
u. *John, b. Oct. 24, 1800. 

HI. Sophia, b. Aug. 24, 1802 ; d. August, 1804. 
IV. Joseph, b. Aug. 15, 1804; d. in infancy. 
V. *Frands, b. Oct. 2, 1805. 
VI. *Natha7i William, b. Oct. i, 1807. 
VII. Mary, b. May 30, 1810; md. Harry Young; d. at 

Mercer, April 22, 1867. 3 chil. 
viii. Huldah Fease, b. Oct. 23, 181 2; md. Joseph 
Besse ; d. at Lowell, Mass., Aug. 4, 1878. 
IX. Emeline Augusta, b. May 5, 18 15 ; md., March 18, 
1843, Dr. Samuel VViswell Butler, who d. April 
h 188 1. Resides in Newport, R. I. i child. 



Zenas Backus, youngest son of Nathaniel Backus, 
when a lad of fifteen came to the Sandy River township! 
and learned the trade of a house-joiner. He first settled,' 
about 1812, upon the back lot now owned by Nathaniel 
Cothren, where, as a farmer, he was successful. He 
subsequently removed to Backus Corner and went into 
trade. He md., April 7, 18 12 (pub.) Mehitable Hinckley 
b. in Hallowell, May 18, 1790; d. Nov. 18, 1878. He d. 
Nov. 2, 1859. Five children : — 

I. Keziah Price, b. Feb. 9, 1813; md-, in 1843, I^r. 
George Lister of Alabama; md. (2) in 1855, 
Hon. Calvin Fletcher of Indianapolis, Ind. 
II. Mary Hinckley, b. Aug. 8, 181 4; md., Nov. 27, 
1839, Dr. William Wright of Durham, who d! 
June 12, 1879. 
iM. Octavia Jane, b. Oct. 15, 1816; md., in 1845, 
Hon. David Davis (son of Sanford Davis, q.v!) 
of Fdgartown, Mass. ; d. March 28, 1885. 
IV. Cordelia Ann, b. March 25, 1820; md., in 1856, 

Edmund A., son of Jonathan Knowlton, q. v. 
V. Ja7nes Hinckley, b. April 15, 1823; md., in 1845, 
Louisa Morse of Cincinnati, O. 



370 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(II) 



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25 

26 
27 
28 
29 

30 

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31 

32 
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John Backus, eldest son of Nathan Backus, cultivated 
the farm, now owned by his son, John Henry Backus, 
where he spent his life. He was successful in farming, 
and acquired a large estate. As a citizen he was highly 
esteemed for his christian virtues. In 1855-56 he held the 
office of selectman. He md., in 1826, Eunice, daughter 
of Alsbury and Sarah (Burgess) Luce. She was b. Jan. 
5, 1805, and d. Oct. 28, 1S68. He d. Sept. 6, 1868. 
Seven children : — 

I. Mary Ann, b. Dec. 2, 1826; md., March 2, 1869, 

Abraham William Johnson, q. v. 
II. Sophia Augusta, b. Aug. 23, 1828 ; md.. May 12, 

1852, Rev, Ira Emery; d. Julv 31, 1879. 4 

chil. 

III. Ellen Sewall, b. June 3, 1830; md., June 8, [862, 

Ephraim N. Allen; s. p. 

IV. Keiziah Amelia, b. Aug. 26, 1832 ; md., June 30, 

1864, William D. Mcintosh, i child, 
v. Sarah Elizabeth, b. Feb. 19, 1835 ; md., Jan. 26, 

1858, Benjamin Stanley, q. v. 
VI. Caroline Adelia, b. May 21, 1837 ; md., June 16, 

1870, S. Henry Wilson of Lawrence, Mass. 

2 chil. 
VII. *John Hem-y, b. July 12, 1843. 



Francis Backus spent the most of his married lite at 
the Center Village, and is remembered as a constable and 
collector of taxes for many years. He md., Sept. 17, 
1839, Betsey Morrison, daughter of Abraham Johnson, q.v. 
She d. Oct. 21, 1849. ^^ ^- J^i'if^ 1^) 1864. Three 
children : — 

I. Nathan Francis, b. March 2, 1841 ; md., April 23, 
187S, Phebe J. Hampton of New York. Re- 
sides in Brooklyn, N. Y. 
II. Charles Henry, b. Aug. 30, 1842 ; d. Jan. 13, 

1844. 
III. Ellen Elizabeth, b, Oct. 15, 1844; d. Nov. 11, 
1862. 

Nathan W. Backus, brother of the preceding, settled 
as a farmer in the eastern part of the town, upon the 
Joseph Milliken lot. He combined the buying and sell- 
ing of cattle and sheep with his farming operations, 
thereby acquiring a substantial property. He was a man 
of great energy of character. He served the town as 
selectman in 1848-49. He md.. May 10. 1831, Rachel 
Hatch, She was b. Jan. 28, 1807; d. April 18, 1874. 
He d, Aug. 7, 1875. Seven children : — 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



371 



34 

35 

36 

37 

38 
39 

40 

(30) 



II. 



IV. 



V. 
VI. 



VII. 



Augustus^ b. June 14, 1S32 ; md. Kllen F. Mosher; 

md. (2) Louisa Jordan of Ellsworth ; d. Oct. 

16, 1869, s. p. 
Nathan William, b. July 2, 1834 ; md., Jan., 1859, 

Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Asa Abbot, cj. v. ; 

d. Nov. 10, 1875, s. p. 
Kachd Ei7ieline, b, Sept. 24, 1836 ; md., Sept. 8, 

1859, George Holley, q. v. 
John Fairfield, b. Dec. 19, 1838; md., Jan. i, 1861, 

Alice P. Clark; d. Oct. 7, 1879. 2 chil. 
Siinantha, b. Feb. 6, 1841 ; d. Jan. 18, 1858. 
Hiia^n Stoyell, b. Dec. 21, 1842; unmd. Resides 

in California. 
Infant son, b. Jan. 8, 1845 ; d. Jan. n, 1845. 



John H. Backus, son of John Backus, resides upon the 
homestead. He md., April 22, 1866, Carrie Elizabeth, 
daughter of Otis and Mary (Littlefield) Blabon. Seven 
children : — 

George Henry, b. Jan. 8, 1867. 
Carrie, b. Nov. 5, 1870; d. July 25, 1871. 
Johfi Otis, b. July 21, 1S72 ; d. Se])t. 9, 1874. 
Lura Bell, b.May 15, 1875. 
Maud Florence, b. July 25, 1877. 
Ardella Viola, b. April 3, 1880; d. Sept. 13, 18S1. 
Walter Blabon, b. Dec. 27, 1882. 



4T 


I. 


42 


II. 


43 


III. 


44 


IV. 


45 


v. 


46 


VI. 


47 


VII, 



Several persons bearing tlie name of Bailey, or IJayley, settled in New 
England at an early day, and it is not known from which one the Baileys 
of Farmington are descended. The earliest known ancestor is Timothy 
liailey, of whom nothing is known positively beyond the name. He is 
believed, however, to be the son of Nathaniel and Mercy Bailey of Brad- 
ford, Mass., whose son Timothy was born March 19, 1730. 



Eliphalet Bailky, son of Timothy Bailey, was a 
resident of ]_)unstable, Mass., in the last century. He 
was born about the year 1758. He shared the patriotic 
sentiments which animated all the citizens of that ancient 
town during the Revolutionary struggle. We find his 
name on the roll of Capt. Oliver Cunmiings' company, 
raised for defence in March, 1776. He also served on 
the "guards" at Cambridge, and received by a vote of 
the parish five pounds a month for his services. In 
company with John F. Woods, Lemuel Perham, and his 
brf>ther, Oliver Bailey, he came to the Sandy River lown- 
siiip in .April, 1788, and took u]d a part of back lol No. 26, 
east side, in the locality pojjularly known as Bailey hill. 
In the long and perilous journey, Mr. and Mrs, Bailey had 



372 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



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1 1 

12 
13 



14 

16 
17 



the grief of burying a little child by the way. On the farm 
he took up, he passed the remainder of his life, and died 
in May, 1836. Mr. Bailey was a deacon in the Baptist 
Church and a pillar in that communion so long as he lived, 
giving his last labors to its upbuilding. He married in 
Dunstable, Rebecca, daughter of Lemuel Perham, q. v. ; 
she d. in 1806, ; .id he md. (2) Nov. 3, 1806, Mary Smith. 
Kight children by first marriage : — 

I. *Juhn, b. in Dunstable,' Sept. 4, 1783. 
II. WiUiam, b. in Dunstable, Nov, 17, 1785 ; d. Mar. 
29, 1788. 

III. Polly, b. May 7, 1788; md., Jan. 22, 1807 (pub.) 

Simon Russell. Removed to Ohio, where she 
d. 12 chil. 

IV. * James, b. March 12, 1790. 

v. Isaac, b. Feb. 20, 1792 ; d. Feb. 17, 1858 ; unmd. 
VI. William, b. Dec. i, 1795; md., Jan. 28, 1847 
(pub.), Mrs. Mary Weathern ; d. in Iowa, 
April 6, 1882. I dau. 
vii. Rebecca, b. Feb. 9, 1798 ; d. in 1805. 
VIII. *Asa, b. July 23, 1800. 



Col. Oliver Bailey, brother of the preceding, was b, 
Sept. 17, 1763, probably in Dunstable, Mass. He came 
to the township in company with his brother in 1788, and 
settled near him on a part of back lot No. 27, east side. 
Here he found a home for life. Mr. Bailey took a some- 
what prominent place among the early settlers. He 
served as selectman in 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 181 1, 
and 1814, and was also a colonel in the militia. He was 
one of the trustees of the school and ministerial funds, 
and also a large donor to the Academy. He md., in 
Dunstable, Elizabeth, daughter of Kbenezer Buttertield, 
I], v., and d. Sept. 24, 1829, his wife surviving him until 
March 10, 1842. Seven children : — 

I. * Luther, b. in Dunstable, Mass., March 16, 1785. 
II. * Oliver, b. in Dunstable, Jan. i, 1787. 
III. Sarah, b. May 9, 1790; md., in 1817, Manley 
Coburn ; d. May 20, 187 1. He was b. in 
Dunstable, Jan. 18, 1794; d. June 29, 1862. 
4 chil. : 

1. William Coburn. b. Dec. 20, 1817. 

2. "Asa Coburn, b. Feb. 11, 1820; d. Sept. 

20, 1872. 

3. Eliza Ann Coburn, b. Dec. 25, 1822. 

4. Oliver Bailey Coburn, b. March 26, 

1825 ; d. Dec. 25, 1S32. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 373 

IV. Betsey, b. Dec. 13, 1798; md., Aug. 16, 1821, 

Asa Bailey, q. v. 
V. *jReuel, b. July 17, 1802. 
v[. * Ozias C2i7mni?igs, b. June 12, 1804. 
VII. Mary Attn, b. Aug. 17, 1807; md., May 5, 1833, 
(pub.) Job Morse; d. Dec. i, 1846. 2 chil. 



John Bailey first settled on Bailey Hill, but afterwards 
removed to Industry and finally took the farm of his 
father-in-law, Joseph Norton. Mr. Bailey was an upright 
man, and a respected deacon in the Baptist Church. He 
md., Dec. 23, 1806, Betsey, daughter of Joseph Norton, 
</. 7'. She d. Nov. 9, 1842. He md. (2) April 20, 1847, 
Betsey Turner, widow of James Marvel. Mr. Bailey d. 
Nov. 21, 1861. Seven children: — 

I. Rebecca, b. March 31, 1808; d. April 20, 1827; 

unmd. 
II. * Elijah Norton, b. f'eb. i, 181 o. 

III. * U 'illiafH Cyrus, b. March 9, 1813. 

IV. * James, b. Dec. 16, 18 14. 

V. Mary Sniith, b. about 1817; d. Dec. 13, 1872; 

unmd. 
VI. Lydia Norton, b. about 18x9; md., Sept. 3, 1843, 

Isaac Norton of Martha's Vineyard. 
VII. Deborah Norton, b. in 182 1 ; md. Jedediah Mc- 
Keen ; d. Aug. 16, 1882. He d. May i, 1885. 

James Bailey lived first in Industry and afterwards 
upon a part of the homestead, where he died April 16, 
1865. He md., April 4, 1820, Rebecca, daughter of 
Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Perham) Fletcher, who was b. in 
VVestford, Mass., July 10, 1789, and d. April 11, 1879. 
Four children : — 

I. Elizabeth Ann, b. in Industiy, Feb. 20, 1821; 
md.. May 20, 1848, David Sweatland, who was 
b. Sept. 15, 1818. 3 chil. 
11. Joseph Grafton, b. in Industry, April 4, 1822 ; 
md., Sept. 2, 1858, Susan H. Grifiin. Lives 
in Danville, N. H, i child. 

III. Rebecca, b. in Industry, Oct. 19, 1828; md., Oct. 

31, 1850, Rufus Bartlett Smith, q. v.; d. April 
15, 1885. 

IV. Martha Fletcher, b. in Wilton, May 31, 182 1 ; 

unmd. 



A.SA Bailey lived as a farmer on Bailey Hill, and also 
followed the trade of shoemaking. He md., Aug. 16, 
1821, Betsey, daughter of Oliver Bailey,^.?'.; she died 
K\iX\\ 20, 1844, and he md. (2) April 14, 1845 (|)ub.) 



48 



374 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



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35 

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36 
37 
38 
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40 

41 

42 
43 

44 

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46 

(19) 



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48 



Fanny Fogg; she d. March 11, 1856, and he md. (3) June 
25, 187 1, Mar}' Sturdivant. Mr. Bailey d. April 3, 1S74. 
Three children : — 

I. George Washington, b. Sept. 25, 1823 ; md., Mar. 
30, 185 1, Drusilla Taylor. Lives in Induslrv. 
8 chil. 
II. Julia Attn, b. Aug. 26, 1826; d. Sept. 16, 1833. 
III. Elias Hutchins, b. Feb. 22, 1833 ; unmd. 



Luther Bailey, son of Col. Oliver Bailey, settled 
in New Sharon, as a farmer, where he made his home for 
life. He md., April 10, 1808 (pub.) Rebecca, daughter of 
Abner Ramsdell, q. v., who d. Dec. 3, 1840. He d. May 
24, 1869. Nine children : — 

I. Abner Rainsdell, b. in 1809. 

II. Oliver, b. in 181 1 ; md. Deborah Stephens. 

III. Elmira, b. in 1813; md. Joseph Edes of Temple. 

IV. Caroline, b. in 1815 ; md., April 2, 1836 (pub.) 

David Jennings, q. v.\ d. March 23, 187 i. 

V. Hannah, b. in 1818; md. Follensbee ; lives in 

Chesterville ; s. p. 

VI. Jerusha C, b. in 1819; md. Samuel Adams; d. 

July 21, 1850, s.p. 
vii. Betsey, b. in 1822; md. Aaron Bragdon ; d. 
VIII, Albert, b. in 1827 ; md, Fanny Stewart of Concord, 
Mass.; d, June, 1865. VVas a physician. 
IX, Reuben, b. in 1833 ; md. in Minnesota, Lydia 
Manes, and is still living. 



Oliver Bailey, Jr., was a farmer, and first settled in 
New Sharon, and afterwards in the Bailey Hill neighbor- 
hood, where he died. He md., Nov. 27, 1808 (pub.) 
Lydia Coburn of New Sharon, who was b. Nov. 21, 1783, 
and d. Sept, 11, 187 1. He d. Dec. 17, 1867. Two 
children : — 

I, James Aladison, b. April 3, 1809 ; md. Mrs. Abigail 

Dinsmoor; d. in Boston, 2 chil. 
II. Thomas Jefferson, b. Feb. 2, 181 1; md. Caroline 
Coburn of Dracut, Mass. ; d. in Dracut. 



Reuel Bailey md., Oct. 24, 1825, Mary, daughter of 
Eliphalet Jennings, q. t.\ d. Sept. 8, 1856. She d. April 
25, 1869. Two children : — 

I. Louisa M.,h. Feb. 21, 1S28; d. Sept. i, 1847. 
II. Arvilla, b. Oct. 18, 1830; md.. Dec. 29, 1851, 
Augustus, son of Josepii Johnson, q. 7>. ; s. p. 



GEiVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



375 



OziAS C. Bailey lived as a farmer upon the homestead. 
He md., Oct. 26, 1828, Hannah, daughter of William 
Parker; she d. Dec. 17, 1836. He md. (2) Oct. 25, 1837, 
Ruth Steward of Bloomheld, who d. March 2, 1840. He 
md. (3) Sept. 23, 1840, Mar}' F., daughter of Bartholomew 
Parker; she d. July 30, 1852. He md. (4) Nov. 5, 1853 
(pub.) Mrs. Mary Perkins. He d. Sept. 23, 1872. Four 
children by first and three by third marriage : — 

I. Elizabeth, b. June 25, 1830; md., Jan. 3, 185 1, 

William Coburn. 2 chil. 
11. Prudence Butterjte/d, b. June 19, 1832 ; md., Feb. 
14, 1856, Alexander Mitchell. 3 chil. 

III. Sarah Coburn, b. May 19, 1834; md., Jan. 30, 

1862, Warren Ames, i child. 

IV. Hannah Parker, b. Dec. 17, 1836; md., March 

16, 1856, John Churchill ; d. March 23, 1862. 

2 chil. 
Third marriage : 

Ruth Steivard, b. Sept. 29, 1844 ; md., Dec. 10, 
1867, Francis M. Williamson. 4 chil. 

Mary Cunmiings, b. July 8, 1846; md., Feb. 17, 
1869, John A. Stover. 2 chil. 

Lucinda Quimby, b. July 17, 1852 ; md., Nov. 12, 
187 1, Samuel F. Fuller. He d. July 3, 1883. 

3 chil. 



v. 



VI. 



VII. 



Elijah Norton Bailey was a farmer, and a man of 
much mechanical ingenuity. He md., Nov. 4, 1834, Hannah 
Smith, daughter of Joseph Norton, Jr, He d. May 20, 
1877. Three children : — 

I. Albert Gallati?i Norton, b. Dec. 11, 1836; md. 
Mrs. Mary A. Craig ; d. in California, Dec. 23, 
1876. 
Leonard Boardman, b. May 13, 1839 ; unmd. 

Resides on the homestead. 
Johti French, b. March 22, 1841 ; enlisted in First 
Maine Regiment of Mounted Artillery, and d. 
in Alexandria, Va., Sept. 16, 1862. 



II. 



HI. 



William Cyrus Bailey acquired the trade of a cabinet- 
maker, but afterwards went into business in Farmington, 
and later in Milford, Mass., in company with his brother- 
in-law, Prentice Perley Field. He d. Jan. 30, 1874. Mr. 
Bailey was twice married : May 10, 1836, Mary Jane 
Stickne}^, who was b. Aug. 16, 1815, and cl. Nov. 4, i860. 
He md. (2) June 2, 1862, Mrs. Belinda Field, widow of 
Thomas Hiscock, Jr., who survives him. One child by 
second marriage : — 

I. Minnie Carrie, b. Oct. 21, 1864. 



376 

(25) 

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63 

64 

65 
66 

67 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

James Bailey is a gravestone manufacturer residing at 
Farmington. He md., Feb. 8, 1843, Fmily M. Ford, who 
was b. in Fayette, Dec. 6, 1818. Fight children: — 

I. Charles Corydon, b. March i, 1844; d. April 6, 

1844. 
II. Edward Mdlen, b. April 16, 1846; drowned in 
Sandy River, July 16, 1855. 

III. Fred Audubon, b. Aug. 30, 1849 5 "^^^•' J"^'"^ i? 

1878, Fmma E. Saunders. 

IV. Emma Louise, b. Dec. 3, 1S51 ; md., Oct. 7, 1880, 

Frank A. Davis. 
V. Samuel Winfield, b. May 4, 1854. 
VI. Arthur Milton, b. March 13, 1857. 
VII. Walter Burton, b. Feb. 24, i860. 
VIII. Jessie Maria, b. June i, 1862. 



John Beale, from Hingham, Norfolk County, England, came with his 
wife, five sons, three daughters and two servants, to this country in 1638, 
and settled in Hingham, Mass. His second son, Jeremiah, married 
Sarah Ripley in 1652, and among their sons was John, who married in 

1686 Hannah . Among the children of John and Hannah Beale, 

was John, Jr., who married Deliverance Porter. One of their sons was 
John 3d, who was born Oct. 12, 1730. His wife, Rhoda James, was born 
Sept. 29, 1742. They were married July, 1772, and were the parents of 
four children. John Beale died Nov. 9, 18 14, and his wife died Feb. 
4, 1825. 



Col. Daniel Beale {vide page 295), eldest son of John 
and Rhoda Beale, was born at Hingham, Mass., July 23, 
1776, and at the age of fourteen entered a store in Boston 
as clerk, where he remained until his majority. He then 
came to the Falls village in this town, and embarked in 
mercantile pursuits, — first as the partner of Ebenezer 
Jones, afterwards of William Gower, and lastly of Sylvanus 
Allen. He closed business finally at the Falls village in 
1820, at which time he went into the lumbering business 
in New Brunswick. After several years Col. Beale re- 
turned to Farmington, and in the year 183 1 went into 
trade with his son Daniel, at the Center Village. In 
the great fire of Aug. 7, 1850, his store was burned, and 
he retired from active business life. Col. Beale was an 
enterprising merchant, giving his undivided attention to 
his business, which was very large, and performing the 
entire work of the establishment alone for many years. 
In the war of 1812-14, he commanded the South Company 
of Infantry, and was drafted with a portion of his com- 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



Z77 



pany for service at Bath, in what was called the " forty- 
days service," from Sept. 24 to Nov. 8, 1814. Col. Beale 
md., Jan. 24, 1802, Hannah Cole, daughter of Samuel and 
Susanna Brown. She was b. at Wellfleet, Mass., June 6, 
1783; d. Feb. 22, 1869. His death occurred July 13, 
1851. Six children : — 

I, Joh7i, b. Nov. 24, 1802 ; md., Dec. 25, 1835, 
Maria P. Innet, who d. Jan. 25, 1878. Re- 
sides in Eatontown, N. J. 4 chil. 
II. Daniel, b. Jan. 2, 1805 ; unmd. Resides in 

Farmington. 
HI. Julia Ann, b. May 4, 1807; md., Dec, 16, 1832, 
Jotham S. Graves, q. v. 
Angeline, b. April 19, 1809 ; md., Oct. 25, 1835, 

Amasa Corbett, q. v. 
Susanna, b. March 31, 181 1 ; d. Sept. g, 181 1. 
Lucy Wilde, b. Oct. 4, 18 16; md., March 8, 1855, 
Marcus Q. Butterfield, q. v. ; d. Sept. 29, 
1868. 



IV. 



V. 
VI. 



While the Belcher family is probably of Norman descent, as the 
name indicates, persons bearing the name have existed in England from 
an early period. During the reign of King Henry VIII., Edmund 
Belcher is found a resident of Ciuilsborough in Northamptonshire, and 
to his son, Alexander Belcher, Gentleman, was granted Northoft, a 
hamlet of nineteen houses. Early in the seventeenth century, four 
Belchers immigrated to America, viz. : Jeremiah, who settled in Ipswich; 
Edward, who was made freeman May 18, 1631, and became a resident 
of Boston; Andrew, who was the ancestor of Governor Belcher; and 
Gregory, who was an early settler in that part of Braintree now (2uincy, 
and an original member of the first church of that place. It is not 
known what relationship, if any, existed between these immigrants. 
Ciregory Belcher, who was the ancestor of the Farmington family 
bearing that name, came from Braintree to Boston in 1634, and took the 
freeman's oath in 1640. He was one of the committee appointed in 
1654 "to Lay out the High waye through Dorchester Woods from 
Branntre Bounds to Roxbury bounds." He died Nov. 25, 1674, and his 
wife, Kalherine, died in 1O79 or 16S0. They are known to have had 
eight children, of whom Josiah was born in 1631. He seems to have 
been a man of some prominence in Boston, and was one of the founders 
of the Old South Church. He married, March 3, 1655, Ranis, daughter 
of Elder Edward Rainsford, a merchant of Boston, and died Aj)ril 3, 
1683; his wife died Oct. 2, 1691. Of the twelve children of Josiah and 
Ranis Belcher, the eighth was Edward, who was born Jan. 19, 1669. In 
late life he purchased an estate at Stoughton and removed there, and 



378 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



died March i6, 1745. His widow survived liim until March 5, 1752. 
Clifford Belcher, the youngest of the six children of Edward and Mary 
(Clifford) Belcher, married June 24, 1740, Mehitable, daughter of Samuel 
and Sarah (Clap) Bird, and granddaughter of John and Elizabeth 
(Williams) Bird of Dorchester. He owned a large estate in ancient 
Stoughton, where he resided until his death, April 26, 1773. His wife 
was born Dec. 8, 1706, and died Feb. 20, 1779. 



Supply Belcher, sixth child of Clifford and Mehitable 
(Bird) Belcher, was born in Stoughton, now Sharon, Mass., 
March 29, 175 i, O. S., and there his early life was spent. 
He received a superior English education, and entered 
mercantile life in Boston. The outbreak of the Revolu- 
tion proving injurious to his prospects, he returned to 
Stoughton and purchased, in 1778, of one Jeremiah 
Ingraham, as the records tell us, a large farm lying on 
both sides of the Taunton road, in what is now the village 
of South Canton. Soon after he appears to have opened a 
tavern, which upon the map of 1785 is designated " Bel- 
cher's Tavern." Having suffered serious losses in com- 
mon with all the people of his State in consequence of the 
long struggle with Great Britain, Mr. Belcher resolved to 
begin life again, in a new country. Accordingly, in 1785, 
he emigrated to the District of Maine, and settled at 
Hallowell, now Augusta. Mr. Belcher's residence on the 
Kennebec River continued but six years, yet in that time 
he attained a prominent position in his adopted home. 
He was elected captain of the North Company of Militia 
at its organization, having previously held a captain's 
commission from General Washington. 

In February, 1791, in company with John Church, he 
removed his family to the Sandy River township, where 
he purchased of Seth Greeley river-lot No. 24, east side, 
the same upon which the upper portion of the Center 
Village now stands. Mr. Belcher's superior education 
and knowledge of men and affairs, at once enabled him to 
take the foremost rank among the early settlers. When 
the incorporation of the town was under consideration in 
1793, Capt. Belcher was appointed the agent of the town- 
ship, and as such proceedecl to Boston, where he success- 
fully accomplished his mission in securing the necessary 
act of incorporation. He was elected first town clerk, and 
received the second justice's commission granted to a 
resident of the town. He also served the town as its first 
representative to General Court in 1798, again in 1801, 
and as the colleague of Nathan Cutler in 1809, and was 
elected selectman in 1796 and 1797. He taught the 
second school in the- township, and for many years was a 
prominent teacher. Capt. Belcher, or Squire Belcher as 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 379 

he was more generally known, also possessed no mean 
knowledge of medicine and surgery, and while without 
pretension to being a physician, yet rendered the settlers 
material aid in caring for those afflicted by accident or 
disease. Until Dr. Stoyell's arrival in 1794, no physician 
could be obtained nearer than Hallowell, and Squire 
Belcher's services were frequently called in requisition to 
set broken bones and administer the simple remedies then 
in use. 

It is, however, as a musician that Squire Belcher was 
chiefly known and is remembered. The town of Stoughton 
has always been'fainous for its interest in the art of music. 
The famous William Billings taught a class of music in 
that place as early as 1774, and soon after the Stoughton 
Musical Society was formed, which preserves its existence 
until the present time. The name of Supply Belcher is 
closely associated with that of Billings in the early musical 
history of that town. From old diaries we gather that 
" Belcher's Tavern " was a favorite resort for the musical 
fraternity. fn company with another member of the 
Stoughton Musical Society, he visited the commencement 
exercises at Harvard College in 1782 for the purpose of 
enjoying the musical programme. As a composer of 
music, and as a performer on the violin, he is perhaps 
better remembered than as a singer. After settling in 
Farmington, he published, in 1794, a collection of sacred 
music known as the " Harmony of Maine," which con- 
tained several pieces of his own composition. Two of 
these, Archdale, and Hymn 116, are still sung, and are 
included in the Centennial Collection of the Stoughton 
Musical Society. When Hallowell Academy gave a public 
exhibition, near the close of its first year, in 1796, Squire 
Belcher was called from Farmington to conduct the music 
upon the occasion. In the language of The Tocsin, a 
paper then published at Hallowell, " the exercises were 
enlivened by vocal and instrumental music under the 
direction of Mr. Belcher, the ' Handel of Maine.' " The 
title of the " Handel of Maine " had been earned by Mr. 
Belcher through the publication of his collection of music. 

Squire Belcher was the first choir-leader in town, and 
for many years led the music in the old church. The Rev. 
Paul Coffin, in his Journal, refers to " Squire Belcher's 
singers " who were called together and gave him an even- 
ing of "sweet music." Mr. Belcher married, May 2, 1775, 
Margaret, daughter of William and Margaret (daughter of 
John Johnson) More, a woman of unusual powers of mind, 
and of refined manners. She was born and educated in 
Boston. His death occurred June 9, 1836; Mrs. Bekher 
died May 14, 1839, of the age of eight}'-three. Ten 
children : — 



38o 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



12 

16 



19 

(12) 



I. Abigail Doty ^ \ b. in Stoughton, Mass., May 

II. Margaret Johnson^ \ 27, 1776. 

Abigail nid., in 1795, Dr. Aaron Stoyell, q. v. ; 
d. Jan. 18, 1830. Margaret md., Aug. 25, 
1794, Cornelius, son of l)ea. Cornelius Norton, 
q. V. ; d. Sept. 30, 1839; he d. June 16, 1849. 
8 children : 

1. Cornelius Norton, b. Sept. 25, 1795 ; 

d. Dec. 30, 1838 ; unmd. 

2. Harriet Norton, b. March 6, 1797; d. 

March 24, 1846 ; unind. 

3. Supply Belcher Norton, b. Oct. 6, 1799 ; 

md. Sarah Smith; d,. June 29, 187 i. 

4. Sophronia Norton, b. May 4, 1802 ; md. 

Benjamin, son of Rufus Allen, q. v. ; 
d. May 25, 1856. 

5. Clifford Belcher Norton, b. Dec. 10, 

1805; md. Rhoda Weeks; d. Oct. 
16, 1869. 

6. Margaret More Norton, b. April 13, 

1810; md. Levi Cutler; d. Nov. iS, 
1859. 

7. Abigail Stoyell Norton, 1). March 4, 

1813; md. Seth Cutler; d. April 10, 
1844. 

8. Lydia Claghorn Norton, b. Feb. 27, 

1817; md., October 21, 1S61, Levi 
Cutler. 

in. ^Clifford, b. in Stoughton, Jan. 17, 1778. 
IV. * Samuel, b. in Stoughton, July 18, 1780. 
V. *Bejamin More, b. in Stoughton, Aug. 4, 1782. 
VI. Mehitahle, b. in Stoughton, Oct. 17, 1784; d. Sept. 

20, 1785. 
VII. Mehitable, b. in Augusta, June i, 1787 ; md., Dec. 
13, 1808, Joseph Titcomb, q.v.: d. Feb. 16, 
1838. 
VIII. * Hiram, b. in Augusta, Feb. 23, 1790. 
IX. Martha Stoyell, b. in Farmington, Feb. 20, 1795; 
md.. May 20, 1819, Thomas Hunter, q. v.; d. 
April 8, 1876. 
X. Betsey, b. April 6, 1797 ; d. Sept. 27, 1804. 



Clifford Belcher {vide page 297) came with his 
father from Augusta to the Sandy River valley when he 
was thirteen years of age. The journey through the 
wilderness in mid-winter was a perilous one, and live days 
elapsed before it was accomplished. The travelers suf- 
fered much from cold and fatigue, for their progress was 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 38 1 

necessarily slow, making one day only four miles, owing to 
the depth of snow and the lack of a good road. Mr. 
Belcher had previously purchased a farm in the center of 
the town, and here his son assisted him in the cultivation 
of the land until attaining his majority, when he found 
employment elsewhere. In farming and in trade, and by 
industry and perseverance, he acquired a large property. 
He was a man of simple habits and unpretending manners, 
possessed of excellent common sense and superior busi- 
ness capacity. He md., Jan. 27, 181 1, Deborah Allen, 
daughter of Rev. Timothy and Sarah (Williams) Fuller, 
and granddaughter of Rev. Abraham Williams of Sand- 
wich, Mass. Mrs. Belcher was a lady of great mental 
power, and highly esteemed for her many virtues by all 
who shared her acquaintance. She was b. March 28, 
1782, and d. in Belfast, March i, 1865. Mr. Belcher d. 
March 15, 1832. Six children : — 

I. Caroline Williams^ b. Oct. 18, 1812, A lady of 
much culture and intelligence, who, as a cousin 
of Margaret Fuller Ossoli, was closely associ- 
ated with that gifted woman as schoolmate 
and friend. She md., June 28, 1836, Hon. 
Nehemiah Abbott, a prominent member of 
the Waldo bar, and a representative to the 
thirty-fifth Congress; d. June 17, 1883. He 
was b. March 29, 1804; d. July 26, 1877. 6 
children : 

1. Caroline Belcher Abbott, b. April 10, 

1837 ; d. Nov. 26, 1883. 

2. Howard Abbott, b. June 23. 1839 ; d. 

May 20, 1859, while a member of 
Bowdoin College. 

3. Emma Fuller Abbott, b. Nov. 17, 1841 ; 

md., Dec. 25, 1871, Lucius F. Mc- 
Donald of Belfast. 

4. Clifford Belcher Abbott, b. March 23, 

185 1 ; is a student at Andover Theo- 
logical Seminary. 

5. Annie Gill Abbott, b. May .15, 1853; 

md., Oct. 20, 1878, Walter H. West 
of Belfast; d. Oct. 8, 1884. 

6. Henry Fuller Abbott, b. May 14, 1855 ; 

d. Nov. 19, 1861. 
II. * Samuel, b. Dec. 8, 18 14. 

III. Deborah Ann, b. Dec. 10, 18 16; md., I_)ec. 3, 
1840, Capt. Charles Gill, whose ancestors were 
originally called " Killpatricks," and who set- 
tled at Limerick about 1670; d. Feb. 24, 1845. 
3 children : 

49 



382 



HISTOkY OF FARMINGTON. 



29 



30 



31 



32 



34 
(13) 



35 
36 

37 



IV. 



V. 
VI. 



1. Charles Snelling Gill, b. Aug. 2, 1841 ; 

merchant and consul of Belgium at 
Boston, Mass.; md., Oct. 23, 1871, 
iMary Swift Forster of Charlestown, 
Mass. Their children are : Mary 
Forster, Rebecca Swift, Helen Parker. 

2. George Fuller Gill, b. Feb. 5, 1843 ; a 

graduate of Dartmouth College, and 
a physician at St. Louis, Mo. 

3. Clifford Belcher Gill, b. Feb. 5, 1845 ; a 

graduate of the Naval Academy, and 
formerly lieutenant in the United 
States Navy ; now a stock raiser at 
Junction City, Kan. He md., Feb. 
ID, 1879, Sarah Stoddard, daughter 
of Richard Frothingham, of Charles- 
town, Mass. Their children are : 
Edna Cheney. Austin Goddard. 

Clifford, b. March 23, 18 19 ; graduated at Har- 
vard College in 1837. He was a successful 
lawyer in New Orleans, La., until impaired 
health compelled him to relinquish his pro- 
fession. He d. in Boston, Dec. 25, 1879, 
leaving a large estate ; unmd. 

* Abraham Williams Fuller, b. Aug. 26, 182 1. 

* Timothy Fuller, b. Aug. 3, 1823. 



Samuel Belcher (vide page 297) in early life acquired 
a good education, and became a school teacher of con- 
siderable celebrity. During the winter season he taught 
singing school for several years. In the autumn of 1814 
he was stricken down by the " cold fever," which was 
prevalent that year, and died October 27th. He was a 
man of active business habits, and was distinguished for 
his public spirit and private virtues. He was a kind 
husband, affectionate father, and constant friend. He 
md.. May 13, 1806, Betsey, daughter of Stephen Titcomb, 
^. v.; she d. July 31, 1813. He md. (2) Sept. 8, 18 14, 
Evelina, daughter of Jason D. Cony, q. v. Four chil- 
dren : — 

r. Eliza, b. April 5, 1807 ; md.. May 7, 1823, New- 
man T. Allen, g. v. ; d. Feb. 24, 1833. 
11. Margaret, b. June 9, 1808 ; md., Jan. i, 1829, 
Soranus L. Brettun, who d. April 22, 1880. 3 
chil. ; all d. 
in. Lydia Ann, b. Feb. 19, 181 1 ; md., Feb. 12, 1829, 
David F. Hunter of Strong; d. Oct. 10, 187 i. 
10 chil. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



Z^Z 



IV. Hannah, b. July 14, 18 13 ; md., Aug. 28, 1834, 

William H. Luce. Resides in Prairie Center, 
111. 6 chil. 

Maj. Benjamin M. Belcher lived upon the homestead 
with his father, and vi^as by occupation a farmer. He 
early became connected with the military organizations 
in town, and proved an efficient and popular officer. Of a 
social disposition, and possessing a talent for story-telling, 
he never failed of being an agreeable companion. He was 
elected one of the selectmen in 1822-23-24, and died very 
suddenly, while holding that office, March 15, 1824. His 
associate, Jeremiah Stinchtield, also died upon the same 
day. Major Belcher md., Nov. 15, 1810, Mary, daughter 
of Enoch Craig, q. v.\ she d. May 6, 1815. He md. (2) 
Jan. 28, 1818, Sarah Smith, daughter of Nathan Backus, 
q. V. Five children : — 

I. Enoch Craig, b. Sept. ir, 181 1. At one time he 
commanded the North Company of Militia, 
and rose to the rank of brigadier-general. He 
d. Dec. t8, 1854; unmd. 
ir. Hiram, b. Oct. 25, 1812 ; d. March 15, 1814. 

Second marriage : 

III. Hiram, b. March 2, 1819 ; d. June 27, 1869. 

IV. Bcnjafnin Afore, b. March 23, 182 1 ; d. Sept. 22, 

1845. 

V, Sarah Margaret, b. March 2, 1824; d. March 23, 

1833. 



Hiram Belcher {vide page 277), son of Supply Belcher, 
was a life-long resident of Farmington, and well known 
in the legal profession throughout the county and State. 
His wife was Evelina, eldest daughter of Jason D. Cony, 
q. v., a lady of many excellent qualities, loved and respect- 
ed by a large circle of friends. After a long life of activity 
and usefulness, she died Feb. 20, 1883, leaving ten grand- 
children and ten great-grandchildren. Six children : — 

I. * Hannibal, b. June 15, 1818. 
II. Charlotte, b, Aug. 29, 1819 ; d. Nov. 25, 1834. 

III. Abigail Doty, b. Feb. 18, 182 1 ; md., Aug. 16, 

1843, John L. Cutler, q. v. ; d. April 24, 1847. 

IV. Hira7n Andrew, b. June 27, 1823 ; d. Sept. 6, 

1825. 
V. Susan Evelina, b. March 29, 1825 ; md., Oct. 14, 
1852, Joseph W. Fairbanks, q. v. ; d. Nov. 8, 
1875- 



384 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



49 



(27) 



57 

58 
59 

(33) 



Margaret Mehitable^ b. April 9, 1828 ; md., Sept. 
13, 1849, Alexander H. Abbott,^. v.\ d, Oct. 
I, 1863. 



Samuel Belcher, eldest son of Clifford Belcher, was 
educated at Farmington Academy, and entered the office 
of his uncle, Hiram Belcher, as a student at law. He was 
admitted to the bar in Kennebec County on his twenty- 
first birthday, Dec. 8, 1835. ^^ ^''^^ opened a law office 
at Orono, where he remained a year or two, but subse- 
quently returned to his native town, entering upon a large 
and successful practice which has continued uninterrup- 
tedly to the present time. Mr. Belcher was elected town 
clerk in 1838-39-40, and under President Tyler's admin- 
istration was appointed postmaster, an office he filled 
acceptably until 1849. He was elected Representative 
to the Legislature in 1840-49-50, and during the last two 
years was Speaker of the House, having previously served 
as its clerk for four years. He was appointed Judge of 
Probate for the County of Franklin in 1852 ; elected 
County Attorney in 1862, and again Judge of Probate in 
1879, holding this last office until Jan. i, 1884. Upon the 
organization of the Sandy River Bank in 1853, Judge 
Belcher was elected president of the board of directors. 
From 1845 until the Farmington Academy was merged in 
the Normal School, he acted as trustee for that institution. 
Judge Belcher is a man of scholarly tastes, an able 
lawyer, and a safe counsellor, and is beloved and esteem- 
ed by his fellow-citizens and associates at the bar. He 
md.. May 9, 1837, Martha C. H., daughter of Asa Abbott, 
q. v.. Nine children : — 

* Samuel Clifford, b. March 20, 1839. 

Anna Gill, b. June 21, 1841 ; d. Aug. 23, 1842. 

Abbott, b. March 17, 1843 ; unmd. Resides in 

Farmington. 

IV. * William Fuller, b. March 13, 1845. 

Fuller, b. Sept. 13, 1852 ; d. June 24, 1861. 

Hamiltoti Abbott, b. Aug. 18, 1854. 

Mary Caroline, b. July 25, 1856 ; md., Oct. 24, 

1878, James Hayes Waugh. i child : 

I. Samuel Belcher Waugh, b. Aug. 26, 

1879. 

VIII. Infant son, ) , ,, of a • • t 

T r ^ r b. May, 1862 : d. m infancy. 

IX. Infant son, ) -^ -^ 



50 


I. 


51 


II. 


52 


III. 


53 


IV. 


54 


V. 


55 


VI. 


56 


VII. 



Abraham W. F. Belcher (7>ide page 301), md., Dec. 
17, 1846, Caroline Elvira, daughter of Francis Butler, q. v. ; 
d. June 8, 1885. Three children : — 



GENPIALOGICAL REGISTER. 



385 



I. Francis Clifford, b. March 21, 1848. 
II. Caroline JElvira, b. Aug. 26, 1852 ; d. 

1855- 
III. Margaret Butler, b. Jan. 9, 1856. 



Feb. 23, 



Timothy F. Belcher received his education at the 
Farniington Academy, and afterwards engaged in mercan- 
tile pursuits, a portion of the time as the partner of his 
brother, A. W. F. Belcher. More recently he has suc- 
cessfully devoted his time and energies to banking, and 
since 1858 has been cashier of the Sandy River National 
Bank, a position he has held by annual appointments to 
the present time, performing his duties to the acceptance 
of his associates and the community. He md., Jan. 19, 
i860, Margaret Josephine, daughter of Francis Butler, 
q. V. One child : — 

I. Arthur Fuller, b. April 24, 186 1 ; graduated at 
Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., in 1878, 
and at Bowdoin College in 1882 ; studied law 
with S. Clifford Belcher of Farmington, and 
Hon. William L. Putnam of Portland, and was 
admitted to the Franklin Bar, March term, 
1885. 



Hannibal Belcher was educated under the tuition of 
Nathaniel Green, at the Farmington Academ3\ He was 
admitted to the Franklin Bar in 1839, and became associ- 
ated with his father in the law business, under the firm 
long and favorably known as H. and H. Belcher. As a 
lawyer he is faithful to his clients, and well grounded in 
the solid learning of his profession. In 1841 he was 
appointed lieutenant-colonel on Governor Kent's staff, 
and in 1855 the Legislature elected him major-general of 
the eighth division of Maine Militia. He was an internal 
revenue assessor from 1862 to 1869, and a member of 
Gov. Lot. M. Morrill's council in i860. He married Lucy 
Ann Brett, a descendant in double line from John Alden, 
first of the Pilgrims, it is claimed, to set foot on Plymouth 
Rock in 1620. The more direct line is traced through 
John Alden's son Isaac, whose daughter Sarah married, in 
1 7 12, Seth Brett; their son Simeon was the father of 
Rufus Brett. The other line comes through Ruth, daugh- 
ter of John Alden, wife of John Bass, whose great-great- 
grandchild was Susannah Cary. Ezra Brett, the second 
child of Rufus and Susannah (Cary) Brett, was born in 
Bridgewater, Mass., Feb. 27, 1779; he md., July 4, 1800, 
Alice Robinson, b. Nov. 14, 1779. Of their twelve chil- 
dren, Mrs. Belcher was the ninth, and Mr. Rufus Brett, 
a resident of Farmington, the fourth child. Six chil. : — 



386 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



64 
65 



66 
67 
68 
69 

70 



71 

72 

73 
74 

75 
(50) 



I. Lucy Garapkelia, b. July 12, 1845 ; md., June 18, 

1874, Col. Nathan C. Goodenow, g. v. 
II. Abby Doty, b. May 3, 1847 ; md., July 9, 1872, 
George Bates, son of John and Achsah (Mc- 
Fadden) Cragin of Embden. 3 children : 

1. Abbott Belcher Cragin, b. Sept. i, 1873. 

2. Donald Brett Cragin, b. Nov. 18, 1875. 

3. Jean Cragin, b. Feb. 4, 1879. 

III. Hiram Andrew, b. Feb. 9, 1849. Resides in 

Arizona. 

IV. Evelina Jessie, b. April 28, 1S53 ; md., Dec. 25, 

1873, Abel Hargrave, son of Capt. Abel 
and Sarah (Giveen) Sawyer of Portland. 3 
children : 

1. Philip Brett Sawyer, b. July 13, 1875. 

2. Frederica Sawyer, b. July 6, 1878. 

3. Lucy Belcher Sawyer, b. Dec. 8, 1880. 

v. Benjamin More, b. June 29, 1855 ; md., in Ari- 
zona, Mabel Thornton. 
VI. Alice Gertrude, b. July i, 1858 ; md., March 5, 
1884, Adolf Gartanlaub of Kolomea, in the 
province of Gallicia, Austria. 

Samuel Clifford Belcher entered Bowdoin College at 
the age of fourteen, and graduated in course with the class 
of 1857. After his graduation he served for three years 
as preceptor of Foxcroft AcJidemy, which position he re- 
signed in i860 to enter the office of Hon. Nehemiah Abbott 
of Belfast as a student at law. The following year he was 
admitted to the Franklin County Bar. Soon after the 
outbreak of the Rebellion, Mr. Belcher enlisted in the 
United States Service, and June 4, 1862, was commis- 
sioned captain of Company G, [6th Regiment of Maine 
Volunteers, immediately leaving for the front. This regi- 
ment was among the most gallant among the Maine 
regiments. It took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, 
where Captain Belcher was slightly wounded ; it also 
served in the Chancellorsville campaign, and at Gettys- 
burg. To this regiment at Gettysburg was assigned the 
perilous task of covering the retreat of the First Corps, 
upon the first day of the battle. It heroically held the 
position, from which two regiments had been previously 
driven, until every man but forty was killed or taken 
prisoner. It was while performing this duty that the 
regiment cut its battle-flag in pieces and distributed it 
among the men, that it might not be captured by the 
enemy. This famous order was given by Capt. Belcher. 
Capt. Belcher commanded the left wing of the regiment, 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



387 



76 

(53) 



77 



and with his comrades was taken prisoner of war. While 
the prisoners were marching to Libby Prison, Captain 
Belcher made his escape, and by clever stratagem gained 
the Union lines. His regiment being captured, he was 
assigned as aid-de-cmnp to Gen. Heintzelman of the depart- 
ment at Washington. The following autumn he joined the 
soldiers at the front, and entered the "Wilderness " cam- 
paign. On the 8th of May, 1864, he received a bullet in 
the head, which pierced the skull and rested upon the 
brain. After seventeen days the ball was extracted, but 
Capt. Belcher was not sufficiently recovered to rejoin his 
company before the cessation of hostilities. Gov. Cony 
commissioned him major June i, 1864. Upon recoverino- 
his health. Major Belcher resumed the practice of law at 
Farmington, and has remained actively engaged in his 
piofession up to the present time. In 1876, and again in 
1878, he was nominated by the Democrats of the Second 
District as Representative to Congress. He was appointed 
by Gov. Garcelon upon his staff, as inspector-general, with 
the rank of brigadier-general, a position he held during 
Gov. Garcelon's administration. He md., Jan. 19, 1869, 
Ella Olive (b. Sept. 17, 1845), daughter of Spauldin'g and 
Sarah (Rich) Smith of Wilto\i. i child : 

I. Fannie Spmdding, b. Nov. 27, 1869. 



William Y. Belcher, brother of the preceding, was for 
a time a clerk in the store of his uncle, William T. Abbott, 
at Fort Wayne, Ind. In 1865 he returned to Farmington 
and entered the tailoring and clothing business in company 
with James U. Childs, under the style of Childs and 
Belcher. The partnership was dissolved in 1870, and Mr. 
Belcher continued the business alone until 1882, when he 
sold to George B. Cragin, and soon after began the sale 
of ready-made clothing, in which business he still con- 
tinues. For many years he acted as agent of the Eastern, 
and later of the American, Express Company at Farm- 
ington. He md., Oct. 6, 1869, Clara A. '1'., daughter of 
Daniel and Emily (Ela) Beedy. i child : 

I. Daniel Beedy, b. July 10, 1870. 



Blake, 

William lihike, son of Giles and Dorothy (Twedy) Blake, and his 
wife Agnes, came fiom Little Baddow, Essex County, England, with five 
children, in 1630, and settled in Dorchester, Mass. The second of these 
five children was James, who was born in 1623 and married Elizabeth 
Clap. He was among the most prominent of the early citizens of 



388 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Dorchester, serving as selectman, rater, deputy to General Court, cons- 
table, clerk of writs, recorder, sergeant of a military company, and 
deacon in the church. The eldest of the six children of James and 
Elizabeth (Clap) Blake, was James, who was born Aug. 15, 1652, and 
married, Feb. 6, 1681, Hannah Macy ; and afterwards, July, 8, 1684, 
Ruth Batchelder. He also was a deacon in the church and served in 
other public offices. James and Ruth (Batchelder) Blake were the 
parents of three children, the youngest of whom was Increase, who was 
born June 9, 1699. Among the children of Increase Blake, was Increase, 
Jr., who was a resident of Boston, and lived in King St., now State St., 
near the scene of the Boston Massacre. He was by trade a tinsmith, and 
supplied the provincial troops with canteens and tin cans. On account of 
his refusal to supply the British army with the same articles, his property, 
including a ship, was destroyed. After the Battle of Bunker Hill, he 
he removed to Worcester, Mass., where he died. His wife was Elizabeth 
Bridge. Among the children of Increase and Elizabeth (Bridge) Blake 
was Thomas Dawes Blake. 



9 
10 

II 



Thomas Dawes Blake was born in King St., Boston, 
Oct. 23, 1768 {vide page 280). He md., Jan. 3, 1802, 
Martha, daughter of Cornelius Norton, q. v. She was b. 
in Holmes Hole, now Vineyard Haven, Mass., May i, 
1786, and came with her father to Industry in 1794. An 
excellent woman and earnest Christian, she brought up 
her large family in the school of strict morals and perse- 
vering industry. " Her children rise up and call her 
blessed, her husband also he praiseth her." Dr. Blake d. 
Nov. 20, 1849. His wife d. Sept. 30, 1873. Ten chil- 
dren : — 

I. Cordelia, b. April 19, 1804 ; d. May 24, 1808. 
II. Adeline, b. Sept. 16, 1806; md., April 9, 1835, 
John F. W. Gould, q. v.\ d. Nov; 23, 1881. 
2 chil. 

III. Martha, b. Nov. 12, 1808 ; md., April 27, 1828, 

David C, son of David Morrill, ^. z;. ; he d. 
June 12, 1877. 

IV. Thomas Dawes, b. Feb. 4, iSn ; md., May 13, 

1841, Hannah D. Norton ; d. at North Sand- 
wich, Mass., Jan. 26, 1858. He was a clergy- 
man. 7 chil. 
V. * Increase, b. Dec. 8, 1812. 
VI. Cornelius Nortofi, b. Feb. 8, 1815 ; d. Aug. 29, 

1827. 
VII. *Ehenezer Norton, b. July 30, 18 17. 
VIII. * George Fordyce, b. May 20, 18 19. 
IX. Jotham Sewall, b. Feb. 6, 182 i ; d. March 5, 182 1. 
X. *Freeman Norton, b. June i, 1822. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



389 



Increase Blake, son of Dr. Thomas D. Blake, is a 
resident of the Falls village, and has been successfully 
engaged in various pursuits. He served acceptably as 
messenger of the Senate of Maine for several years, and 
was captain of the South Company of Infantry in the 
Militia, and is a citizen much respected for his worth. 
He md., Sept. 26, 1844, Sarai Farnsworth, who was born 
in Norridgewock, Oct. 19, 1821. Three children: — 

I. George Fordyce, b. June 5, 1848; d. Nov. 21, 

1875- 
Will/am Fred, ) u at o 

j^ ^ - b. May 3, i8c;i. 

rreeman iJawes, ) j 01 o 

W. F. Blake was for nine years U. S. Consul 
at London and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 
In 188 1 he was admitted to the bar in 
Franklin County, and is now pursuing his 
profession in Chicago, 111. He md., March 
15, 18S1, Addie L., daughter of Dr. Cyrus 
D. Tuck. 2 chil. 

Freeman D. Blake is a tanner and currier by 
trade, and has been in business in Benicia, 
Cal., but is at present in Woburn, Mass. 
Unmd. 



II. 
III. 



Ebenezer N. Blake received his education in the 
public schools of the town, and learned the trade of a 
tanner of Joseph E. Were, who operated a large tannery 
on the Chesterville side of the river. Mr. Blake, having 
acquired a thorough knowledge of his chosen business, 
left home in the winter of 1837 to seek his fortune. He 
went to Danvers, Mass., where he found employment at 
his trade by the month, but soon removed to Woburn, 
where, by industry and prudence, he was enabled to 
commence the leather business for himself, in which he 
has continued uninterruptedly for more than forty-three 
years. Mr. Blake has frequently been called to various 
municipal ofifices by the citizens of his adopted town, and 
is a director of the Blackstone National Bank of Boston, 
and of the National Bank of Woburn. He has been 
rewarded for his industry and fair dealing by an ample 
fortune. He md., Feb. 16, 1843, Harriet Cummings, who 
was b. in Burlington, Mass., April 22, 1825, Seven chil- 
dren, b. in Woburn : — 

I. Emma Louise, b. June 13, 1847 ; md., Feb. 8, 
1882, J. B. Parker, attorney-at-law in Nashua, 
N. H. 
II. Warren Norton, b. Jan. 4, 1851. 
IN. George Freeman, b. |ulv 11, 1853; d. April ir, 
1855. 



5° 



390 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



19 



(9) 



24 



IV. Isabel Frost, b. Feb. 4, 1S56. 
V. Harriet Cunwihigs, b. May 18, 1859 ; graduated 

from Wellesley College in 1880. 
VI. Charles Edward, b. Dec. 17, i860; d. Nov. 3, 

1862. 
VII. Harrison Gray, b. Jan. 26, 1864; entered Har- 
vard Collesfe in 1882. 



George F. Blake, at the age of fourteen, engaged as 
an apprentice to learn the trade of house carpenter. Six 
years afterwards he went to South Danvers (now Peabody), 
Mass., where he remained working at his trade for several 
years. About this time his inventive genius as a mechanic 
began to be appreciated, and his aid sought wherever new 
machinery was required, or improvements needed in any 
department of mechanical science. About i860 a large 
brick manufacturer started a new yard for the making of 
brick in the town of Medford, Mass., but the clay proved 
to be of peculiar stiffness, and of such tenacity as to 
prevent its use with the machinery then employed. Mr. 
Blake applied his inventive power to the construction of a 
machine to overcome the difficulty. He was successful, 
and letters patent for the invention were granted him 
Nov. 26, 1861. But the great achievement of Mr. Blake's 
life is the invention of a water meter and steam pump : 
the former was patented April i, 1852, March 23, 1865, 
and Sept. 12, 1865 ; the latter, April 12, 1864. The 
manufacture of steam pumps is carried on in Boston by a 
joint-stock company known as the George P\ Blake Manu- 
facturing Company. Its officers are : G. F. Blake, Presi- 
dent ; Job A. Turner, Treasurer; W. E. Dillaway, Clerk. 
The directors, besides Messrs. Blake and Turner, are 
PI N. Blake, George H. Storer, Edward C. Turner, and 
Thomas D. Blake. The sale of these pumps is immense, 
not only in the United States but in Europe ; and to meet 
the English and Colonial demands, a manufactory has 
been established in London. Branch houses for the sale 
of these goods have been opened in New York, Philadel- 
phia, and Chicago. Mr. Blake has acquired a large and 
substantial fortune, and is rated among the rich men of 
Boston. He md., Jan. i, 1845, Sarah Silver Skinner, b. 
in Lynnfield, Mass., Jan. 18, 1821 ; d. Oct. 14, 1856. He 
md. (2) Dec. 24, 1857, Martha Jane Skinner, b. June 24, 
1835. Six children : — 

I. Thomas Dawes, b. Oct. 25, 1847 ; md., May 18, 

1870, Susan Price Symonds of Salem, Mass. 
11. Sara Augusta, b. Dec. 6, 1853. 
Second marriage : 

III. George Fordyce,h. Feb. 9, 1S59. 



.^te% 




<L. "^ 




fcy/L.^e^ 



GEiVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



391 



25 

26 



(") 



28 



IV. 

V. 

VI. 



Grace Bertha, b. Aug. 30, 1863, 
Jennie Maria, b. April 29, 1869. 
Alice Norton, b. July 6, 1872. 



Freeman Norton Blake was educated at Farmington 
Academy, closing his academical studies at Middleboro, 
Mass., and adopted law as a profession. He entered the 
law office of Zeno Scudder, M. C, at Barnstable, Mass., 
and after pursuing the usual course of study, entered 
Harvard Law School, from which he graduated in 1855, 
and the same year was admitted to the bar in Massachu- 
setts. He commenced the practice of law in Chicago, as 
one of the firm of Rice, Blake and Eddy, but subsequently 
removed to Kansas, then a territory. He was a member 
of the first territorial legislature, where he was prominent 
in promoting a free State government, and was afterwards 
a member of the first State constitutional convention, 
Mr. Blake was afterwards called to a position in the Naval 
Department at Washington, where he discharged his 
duties with marked ability and fidelity. In 1865 he was 
appointed by President Lincoln, American Consul to Fort 
Erie, Canada; in 1869 he received a new commission 
from President Grant, and removed the consulate to 
Hamilton, where he remained until 1873. He discharged 
the duties of the consulate with entire satisfaction to the 
government he represented, while his legal and commer- 
cial knowledge, combined with his courteous and gentle- 
manly bearing, favorably impressed the people of Canada, 
and won him many friends. When about to depart, the 
citizens of Hamilton tendered him a banquet at the Royal 
Hotel, on the first day of August, 1873, in recognition of 
the esteem in which he was held by the people of that 
city. He md., Dec. 21, 1862, Helen S. Baker. One 
child :— 

I. Helen Maud, b. in Canada, Sept. 6, 1866. 



JosiAH Blake, an early resident of Farmington, was an 
officer in the Revolution, and came from Augusta to the 
township about 1790. Three years later he removed to 
Tyngtown (now Wilton), and settled on what was after- 
ward called the "Adam Mott farm." He died in Phillips, 
July 14, 1840, at the age of eighty-nine. His wife, Betsey 
Lyon, died at Temple in 1802. 



John Lyon Blake {vide page 284), second son of 
Josiah Blake, was born in a log-house in Farmington, 
Oct. 12, 1792. He received his education at Farmington 
Academy, then under the charge of James Hall, the dis- 
tinguished teacher. He chose the practice of medicine as 
his profession, in which he was successful, both at Phillips 



392 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



and Farmington. In the Legislature of 1825 he repre- 
sented the Phillips district, and in 1838 was a member of 
(Governor Kent's council. He was elected one of the 
trustees of the Maine Wesleyan Seminary early in the 
history of that institution, a position he held at the time of 
his death, March 2, 1885. In 1852 Dr. Blake removed 
from Phillips to Farmington, and in 1863 again became 
a Representative to the Legislature. He md., March 25, 
1816, Polly, daughter of William and Eunice (Flint) Read. 
She was born in Strong, June 24, 1793. Dr. and Mrs. 
Blake lived a happy married life, of almost sixty-nine 
years, and enjoyed a serene old age in their pleasant 
home ; s. p. 



William Blunt came from Ireland and settled at Andover, Mass., in 
1668. Whether he was the ancestor of Ebenezer Blunt, who came to 
Farmington, has not been ascertained. 



Ebenezer Blunt was born, probably in Medford, Mass., 
in the first quarter of the last century, and from that place 
probably removed, when an aged man, to Nobleboro in 
this State with his son-in-law, Francis Tufts. With Mr. 
Tufts he came to the Sandy River Township in 1783. 
According to Parker's History^ he died in 1784, being the 
first death of an adult in town. The name of Ebenezer 
Blunt, however, is signed to the petition for incorporation 
in 1793, and a lot of land bears his name in the plan of 
the town prepared at that date. It may be, therefore, a 
matter of doubt whether he died as early as has been 
commonly understood, since he is not known to have had 
a son by the name, nor is any other person of that name 
known to have lived in town. The name of his wife was 
Lydia, and she survived him many years, dying at an 
advanced age about 1808. The Medford records show 
five daughters born to them, all of whom came to the 
valley of the Sandy River: — 

I. Mary, b. April 28, 1748; md., about 1767, John 
Oaks. He was the son of Thomas and Sarah 
Oaks, and was born in Medford, Nov. 5, 1733. 
It is a tradition in the family that Mr. Oaks 
was with the Medford Militia in the Battle of 
Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, and that during 
the night, upon his way home, he sat down 
upon the grass to rest from the fatigue of the 
day, fell asleep and took a cold which resulted 
in a mortal sickness. 4 chil., born in Medford : 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



393 



1. Mary Oaks, b. June 7, 1768; married 

Samuel Stowers, a Revolutionary pen- 
sioner. They lived in the east part 
of the town, and he d. Dec. 16, 1843, 
aged 81 ; she survived him some 
years. 6 chil. 

2. John Oaks, b. March 15, 1770 ; md., 

Jan. II, 1796, Wealthy Crapo. He 
was long a resident of Chesterville, 
where he died. 5 chil. 

3. Ebenezer Oaks, b. Feb. 19, 1772 ; md., 

July 10, 1800, Katharine Allen; first 
settled in Chesterville, and afterwards 
moved to the northern part of the 
County, where he died. Several chil. 

4. Rebecca Oaks, b. Dec. 20, 1775; md., 

April 13, 1805 (pub.) Moses Rowe ; 
d. in Readfield. 

Mrs. Oaks md. (2) about 1777, Jonathan Knowl- 
ton, q. V. 

II. Sarah, b. Nov. 27, 1750; md., Nov. 26, 1767, 
Francis Tufts, g. t. ; d. in 1789. 

III. Lydia, b. April 7, 1753; md., Benjamin Black- 

stone. He came to the township in 1781, took 
up the lot where Charles H. Pierce now (1885) 
lives, returned to Nobleboro, and died before 
making a permanent settlement, about 17S6. 
4 chil. : 

1. John Blackstone, settled in Damaris- 

cotta. 

2. Josiah Blackstone, moved to Mainville, 

O., in 18 1 7, where he died. 

3. Sarah Blackstone, md., July 4, 1808 

(pub.) Moses Greeley ; moved to 
Mainville, O., in 1817. 

4. Mary Blackstone, b. March 12, 1786; 

md., March 17, 1808, Francis Butler, 
q. V. ; d. April 24, 1823. 

Mrs. Blackstone md. (2) about 1790, Francis 
Tufts, q. V. 

IV. Lucretia, b. Oct. 11, 1755; nid. William Black- 

stone, brother of the preceding, and settled in 
New Sharon. 
V. Anna, b. June 30, 1763; md. Samuel Keen. Mr. 
Keen settled in 1785 on river-lot No. 35, east 
side, now owned by John R. Adams, where he 
made some improvements. He sold in 1798 



394 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



15 
16 

18 
19 



to Solomon Adams, Esq. He then removed to 
No. 2, now Phillips, where he died about 1828. 
5 chil. b. in Farmington, i and possibly others 
b. in Phillips : 

1. Anna Keen, b. Feb. 10, 1790. 

2. Lydia Keen, b. March 20, 1792. 

3. Samuel Keen, Jr., b. May 6, 1794; d. 

August, 1794. 

4. Samuel Keen, Jr., b. Jan. 12, 1797. 

5. Ebenezer Keen, b. in Phillips, Oct. 26, 

1799. 



Descendants of William Boardman, who emigrated from England in 
1638, have been numerous in the New England States, but the representa- 
tion in this town has been small. Mr. Boardman, in company with his 
step-father, Stephen Daye, settled in Cambridge, Mass., and acquired a 
large landed estate in the vicinity of Harvard Square, which remained in 
the family about one hundred and fifty years. He was a tailor, and was 
early appointed steward and cook of Harvard College. He died March 
25, 1685, aged 71 years. Aaron, the fourth of the nine children of 
William and Frances Boardman, was born in 1649, ^^'^ inherited a 
portion of his father's estate in Cambridge, where he settled. He was a 
locksmith by trade, and a large land-owner in the town. He died Jan. 
15, 1702-3. His wife Mary survived him many years. They were the 
parents of seven children. Moses, the second, was born Feb. 17, 1675-6, 
and married, June 25, 1700, Abigail, daughter of Dea. Walter Hastings. 
He also resided in Cambridge — on ihe eastern side of North Avenue — 
and was much employed in public affairs. He died Jan. 21, 1 750-1. His 
wife died October, 1752. His son. Rev. Andrew Boardman, who was the 
immediate ancestor of the Farmington family, graduated from Harvard 
College in 1737, and was ordained to the Congregational ministry at 
Chilmark, Mass., in 1746. He married Katharine, daughter of Sylvanus 
and Jane (Homes) Allen, and had five sons and four daughters. He died 
of small-pox at Chilmark, Nov. 19, 1776. Three of his sons, Sylvanus, 
Walter, and Herbert Boardman, came to the District of Maine, as early 
pioneers. 

Sylvanus Boardman was born Sept. 15, 1757, and 
settled as a Baptist minister in Livermore in ,1802, later in 
Yarmouth, and finally in New Sharon. He became a 
pillar in the Baptist church of the State, and was respected 
for his Christian virtues and example. He died, greatly 
lamented, March 16, 1845. ^^^ wife, whom he married 
April 12, 1790, was Phebe, daughter of George and 
Margaret (Clarke) Dana. She died in Bloomfield, Sept. 
23, i860, in the ninfety-se'cond year of her age. Eight 
children. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



395 



1 1 

.12 



Walter Boardman, who came to the Sandy River 
township in 1792, settled upon river-lot No. 30, west side, 
where he became a thrifty farmer. About 1800 he built a 
grist-mill upon a brook running through his farm, which 
he operated as a kind of neighborhood affair for several 
years, and then allowed it to go to decay. Mr. Boardman 
was born at Chilmark, Mass., July 12, 1761. He md. 
Jane Hillman, and afterwards, Nov. 6, 1806 (pub.) Zada 
Scoville of Wilton, b. Sept. 22, 1770. In October, 1834, 
he removed to Mainville, O., where he d, Jan. 18, 1842. 
His second wife d. Feb. 12, 1845. The town records 
show five children : — 

I. Jane^ b. Dec. 20, 1792. 
II. Adonis, b. May 29, 1795. 

III. Walter, b. Oct. 4, 1800. 

IV. Fanny, b. Sept. 15, 1803. 
Second marriage : 

v. Moses Dudley, b. March 28, 1809, 



Leander Boardman {vide page 301) was the son of 
Herbert Boardman, who married Polly, daughter of David 
Merry of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., and with his family 
settled in what is now the town of New Vineyard. He 
was b. April 11, 1795, and md., March 25, 1819, Hannah, 
daughter of Ebenezer Jones, q. v. He d. Oct. 19, 1866. 
Four children : — 

I. Mary, b. Jan. 15, 1820; md., Aug. 19, 1S45, 

Hiram B. Stoyell, q. v. 
II. Adeline, b. Aug. 2, 1821 ; d. Sept. 29, 18S1 ; 
unmd. 

III. Leonard, b. July 23, 1825 ; d. Feb. 20, 1839. 

IV. John Leander Stoyell, b. Feb. 14, 1836; d. Feb. 20, 

1837- 



The Farmington family of Ikadford is descended in a double line from 
Governor William Bradford of the Pilgrims. William Bradford, second 
son of Governor Bradford, was born at IMymouth, Mass., June 17, 1624, 
and married (i) Alice Richards, who was the mother of his fifteen chil- 
dren. Israel, twelfth child of William and Alice Bradford, married Sarah 
Bartlett of Duxbury, and settled at Kingston. They were the parents of 
seven children, the fifth of whom was Joshua, who was born at Kingston, 
Mass., June 23, 17 10. He married his second cousin, Hannah, daughter 
of Elisha Bradford, and they removed to that new and thinly settled 
portion of Maine known as Meduncook, where they were killed by the 
Indians, May 27, 1756. On the morning of that day, while Mr. Bradford 
was engaged in pounding corn, a simple process of obtaining meal, a 



396 



H/STORV OF FARMINGTON. 



party of Indians was seen from the garrison approaching his house. An 
alarm gun was immediately fired, but owing to the noise of the mortar, it 
was not heard by the inmates, and the savages entered the dwelling 
unperceived. They at once attacked Mr. and Mrs. Bradford, killing them 
instantly. Their daughter, a girl of some twelve or fourteen years, who 
had sought a momentary concealment, caught the infant as it fell un- 
harmed from the mother's arms, and fled through the open door towards 
the garrison. One of the Indians threw a tomahawk at her, inflicting^ 
deep wound in her side, but the heroic girl pressed on until a place of 
safety was reached. Two of her brothers were captured and carried to 
Canada, but afterwards were exchanged and sent home. 

Joseph Bradford, son of Joshua and Hannah (Brad- 
ford) Bradford, was born March 19, 1751. He removed 
from Meduncook to the Sandy River township in 1786, 
and first settled on front lot No. 38, west side, now owned 
by E. P. Ellis. His wife, who was Abigail Starling, with 
her sister Dorothy (afterwards Mrs. Enoch Craig), made 
the journey on horseback ; but, as they carried one of 
Mrs. Bradford's children, they could only ride by turns, 
the one riding taking charge of the child. The road at 
this time was only a spotted line bushed out. Mr. Brad- 
ford d. November, 181 1; she d. Jan. 16, 1832. Ten 
children : — 



9 
10 



v. 

VI. 



VII 



VIII 
IX 



ind., Nov. 12, 1818, 



I. *E/isha, b. in Meduncook, Oct. 25, 1774. 
II. Sally, md., Nov. 4, 1799 (pub.) Peter Parker, q. v. 
II. Hiildah, md., Dec. 24, 1800, Benjamin Butler, Jr., 

q. V. 
v. Polly, md., Dec. 12, 1804 (pub.) Jonathan Gordon; 
d. in Solon. 
Abigail, md., Feb. 16, 1805, Jacob Eaton, q. v. 
Betsey, b. Dec. 12, 1788; md., Nov. 17, 181 1 

(pub.) Nathan Pinkham. 
Harmah, b. May 21, 179 1 

John Kempion. 
Dorothy, b. Dec. 8, 1793. 

Joseph, b. Jan. 22, 1797; settled on the lot adjoin- 
ing his father's iarm on the south. He was a 
well-to-do farmer and a respected citizen. 
When a young man, he went to Ohio for the 
purpose of making a home there, but not find- 
ing the country congenial to his tastes, decided 
to return, performing the entire journey on 
foot, and making as good time as was usually 
made by horse teams. He afterwards removed 
to Quincy, 111., where he died. He md.. Mar. 
17, 1819, Elizabeth, dau. ol josiah Tufts, q. v. 
Hichard, b. Nov. 11, 1801. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



397 



(2) 



13 

14 

16 

17 
18 

19 



Elisha Bradford came to the township with his 
parents, and succeeding to the homestead farm, always 
resided upon it. He enlisted in the war of 18 12, and 
participated in many hard-fought battles on the American 
frontier. He md., Dec. 24, 1800, Mary, daughter of CajM:. 
Benjamin Butler, q. v.\ d. March 17, 1832; she d. April 
12, 1844. Nine children : — 

I. Benjamin Butler, b. Oct. 14, 1801 ; md. Mary 
Pitman ; d. at Monticello, Minn., March 7, 

1875- 
II. Alfred, b. April 10, 1803; md. Eliza Bailey, who 
d. Oct. 7, 1880, aged 66 years. 

III. Starlifig, b. Nov. 4, 1804. Removed to New 

York. 

IV. Nancy, b. March 25, 1806; md., Aug. 11, 1842, 

James Cotifin ; d. Jan. 21, 1879. 
V. Almira, b. Oct. 10, 1807; md., March 22, 1836, 

Thomas Lambert. 
VI. Paulina, b. May 24, 1809; nid., Oct. 17, 1832, 

Joses Towle. Resides in Lee. 
VII. Elisha, Jr., b. Jan. 7, 181 1; md., Sarah True, 

Resides in Lee. 
VIII. Mary, b. Feb. 10, 1814; md., Feb. 17, 1836, 
Thomas Kennedy. Resides in Strong. 
IX. Elvira, b. Jan. 14, 1820; md., July 21, 1842, 
John Conant. Resides in Beaufort, S. C. 
2 chil. 



Urmncrft, 

Daniel Brainerd, when a child, came to Hartford, Conn., with the 
Willis family, about 1645. He was the ancestor of all bearing his name 
in that .State. The facts necessary to trace the connection between him 
and Cluircli lirainerd, wlio settled in Farmington, have not been 
obtained. 

Dea. Church Brainerd, an early pioneer of the 
Sandy River township, first settled, in 1783, on river-lot 
No. 38, east side, now owned by Henry Manter, and 
remained there until about 1797, when he sold to Abner 
Ramsdell and purchased of Dr. Thomas Flint river-lot No. 
29, east side, now owned by Miss Ellen J. Bradbury and 
others. Here he made his home till near the close of his 
lite. Dea, Brainerd was the friend and promoter of 
education, and took an active part in establishing Farm- 
ington Academy, being one of its charter trustees and the 
first treasurer of the corporation. The interest which he 
manifested at all times for the prosperity of the institution 
will ever continue to brighten its annals. J''roni 180-? to 



SI 



398 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



9 

(2) 



lO 

I I 

12 



1813 inclusive, he served the town as its clerk, and from 
1801 to 1803 as its treasurer. He md., April 16, 1789, 
Abigail Halt, and d. Aug. 27, 1832, aged 72 years; siie 
d. July 25, 1826, aged 57, Eight children : — 

I. *f^'^f/«^^««,U. Marchii, 1790. 
II. Josiah, \ ^ I J 

Josiah md. Charlotte Smith ; settled in New 

Sharon; d. Sept., 1858, leaving chil. 

III. William, b. Nov. 7, 1792; md., March 29, 1825, 

Mary D. Swett; settled in New Sharon; d. 
Jan. 23, 1867, leaving chil. 

IV. Church, b. Sept. 21, 1797 ; d. Aug. 23, 1799. 

v. Abigail, b. June 6, 1801 ; d. Sept. 15, 1830 ; unmd. 

VI. Allen Hall, b. June 13, 1803 ; md. Tamsin Weeks. 

He was murdered at Mattawamkeag, July 17, 

1835- 

VII. Esther, b. July 11, 1805; md., June 24, 1824, 

P^liab E. Day; d. Sept. 15, 1830. 
VIII. James Allen, b. May 22, 1807. 

Benjamin Brainerd, son of the preceding, first settled 
upon the land now owned by A. H. Abbott and others, 
subsequently removing to the farm where John E. Perley 
lives, and thence to the town of Wilton, where he d. Feb. 
9, 1867. He md., March, 1S12, Mary Hall; md. (2) 
Elvira Hall, who d. March 22, 1870, aged 58 years. 
Three children : — 

I. Mary, b. May 30, 1814; d. Dec. 11, 1853. 
II. Adelia A. M., b. April 13, 1838 ; unmd. 
HI. Orrin, b. March 3, 1847 ! """^^^v ^^^- 6, 1875, Ida 
M. Ijlaisdell. Resides in East Dixfield. 



Samuel Bullen, with his wife and two children, removed from 
Billerica, Mass., to Hallowell, in October, 1763, where he is found a 
grantee, from the Plymouth Company, of lot No. 6, east side, and where 
he served as the first constable of the town. In 1782, Mr. Bullen came 
to the township and settled on front lot No. 33, east side, since known 
as the Case farm. He was one of the "Sandy River Associates," being 
chosen moderator at the first meeting of the Associates, held at the 
dwelling-house of Samuel Butterfield, Oct. 15, 17.^3. His wife, whom 
he married May 22, 1760, was Anna Brown. 



Samuel Bullen, eldest son of Samuel and Anna 
Bullen, succeeded to the homestead where he resided 
many years. He was b. in Billerica, Mass., March 30, 
1761 ; he md., March 29, 1790, Sarah Fletcher, who d. 



GEMEALOGrCAL REGISTER. 



399 



Aug. 31, 1791 ; mci. (2) Sept. 6, 1792, Jane Smith. Ten 
children : — 

I. Samuel, b. May 11, 1791. 

Second marriage : — 

11. Sarah, b. June 3, 1793; md., July 22, 1855, John 
Knowlton, q. v. ; d. Jan. 15, 1872. 
Nancy, b. Sept. 18, 1794. 
Cornelius Stnith, b. Jan. 24, 1797. 
Nathan, b. Sept. 13, 1798 ; md. July 9, 1830 

(pub.) Mary H. Streeter ; d. Dec. 5, 1856. 
Martha Ward, b. May 31, 1800. 
Philip, b. March 2, 1802. 
Jane Ann, b. Jan. 23, 1804. 
Garrison Smith, b. Feb. 8, 1806. 
X. John, b. April 9, 1808 ; md., Nov. 5, 1839, Mary 
Smith, dau. of Jacob Eaton, Jr., q. v. 



4 


III. 


5 
6 


IV. 
V. 


7 
8 


VI. 
VII. 


9 


VIII. 


10 


IX, 


II 


X. 



It is a matter of history that Nicholas Butler, the ancestor of all of 
the name on the Island, was a resident of Martha's Vineyard as early as 
1662, when, with some twenty others, Nicholas Norton among them, he 
formed a band for defence against the Gay Head Indians, a fierce and 
warlike tribe who were accustomed tq, commit depredations of rapine 
and murder upon the defenceless inhabitants. Families of the name were 
numerous in the early settlement of the Island, but the connecting-links 
in the line of descent, from the immigrant to the families herein noticed, 
have not been secured. About the middle of the eighteenth century, 
Benjamin and Elijah Butler are found residents of Martha's Vineyard, 
but what ties of relationship existed between them is not known. Ben- 
jamin Butler always resided upon the Island, and died there in 1821 at 
an advanced age. He was the father by a first marriage of Benjamin 
Butler, named below, of Mehitable, who married Jonathan Pease, and of 
others ; by a second marriage, with Sarah Gould, of Ephraim G. Butler, 
hereafter mentioned, of Sarah, who married Joseph Francis, of Simeon, 
who married Abigail Norton, and settled in New Vineyard, and of 
Hannah and William, who died unmarried. Elijah Butler was born in 
1738; he was by trade a tanner, and removed to the township about 
1790, settling u])on a part of river-lot No. 19, east side. About 1805 he 
erected a tannery. He was the father of Jonathan, Sarson, Elijah, Jr., 
Edward, Samuel, Winthrop, and several daughters. He married Jane 
Kelley, and died Aug. 30, 1825. She was born in 1745, and died July 
7, 1820. 

I I Benjamin Butler, son of Benjamin and half brother 
I of Ephraim G. Butler, removed to the township in 1790 



400 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



and purchased of Joseph Sylvester river-lot No. 23, east 
side, the same so long owned and occupied by Thomas 
Hunter, Esq. Mr. Butler was by trade a carpenter, and 
took lead in building the first dwelling-houses upon the 
river. He had charge of framing the Center Meeting- 
House in 1803, and was the contractor for building the 
first bridge erected upon the river. It was opposite the 
Center Village, and was completed in 1808. He was b. 
at Martha's Vineyard, Mass., in 1748; md., in 1769, Amy 
Daggett; d. in Avon, Feb., 1828. Thirteen children, ten 
of whom were b. on the Island, and three in Farrn- 
ington : — 

I. Nancy, b. Feb. 2, 1770; md., March 4, 1S05 (pub.) 

David Paine. 
II. Amy, b. Feb. 10, 1772 ; d, Feb. 24, 1772. 

III. Mary, b. March i, 1773; d. May 17, 1773. 

IV. Mary, b. Aug. 30, 1774; md., Dec. 24, 1800, 

Elisha Bradford, q. v. ; d. April 12, 1844. 
V. Benjamin, Jr., b. August 30, 1776 ; first settled 
upon the homestead, but in 1823 removed to 
the farm where the heirs of Peter W. Manter 
now live. Some nine years later he removed 
to Anson, where he met with pecuniary losses, 
and later to New Sharon, where he died. He 
was captain of artillery, and served as select- 
man in 18 18. He md., Dec. 24, 1800, Huldah, 
dau. of Joseph Bradford, q. v. ; md. (2) Nov. i, 
1847, Mrs. Katherine L., widow of Thomas 
Johnson, q. v. 9 chil. 

VI. Zimri, b. Oct. 25, 1778; d. Oct. 29, 1778, 
VII. Ebenezer Cheney, b. April 8, 1780; first settled 
upon the back part of the homestead, where he 
erected buildings, but soon removed to the 
portion of the school-lot now owned by Joseph 
Tilton. In 1824 he went to the Province of 
Ontario, where his death occurred. He pos- 
sessed great physical power, and at the present 
day many stories and anecdotes are told of 
his wonderful strength and agility. He md., 
March 12, 1802 (pub.) Betsey Johnson. Sev- 
eral children. 
VIII. Ralph, b. Sept. 27, 1782 ; first lived on river-lot 
No. 2, east side, where William W. Whitney 
now resides, and thence removed to Avon in 
1815 ; md., Nov. 10, 1806 (pub.) Mary Stev- 
ens ; d. June 6, 1868. 7 chil. 

IX. Melindy, b. Feb. 5, 1786; md., Jan. 12, 1804 
(pub.) James Paine ; d. in 1836. 



G F.N I'lA LOGICAL REGISTER. 4OI 

X. Lei'ina, b. Dec. 28, 1789 ; d. Jan. 18, 1790. 
XI. Lcvina, b. April 20, 1791 ; d. April 25, 1791. 
XII. Lovcy, b. April 19, 1792; md., May u, 1809, 

John Paine of Anson ; d. in 1838. 
XIII. William^ b. Oct. 10, 1795 ; settled on river-lot 
No. 3, east side, where he resided until about 
1840, when he removed to Canada ; md., April 
23, 18 18 (pub.) Betsey, daughter of Capt. 
David Davis of Industry; d. April, 1849. 



Ephraim Gould Butler, son of Benjamin Butler of 
Martha's Vineyard and half brother of preceding, was born 
in Edgartown, Mass., Dec. 9, 1758, and very early in life 
went to sea, but not finding his education sufficient to 
warrant promotion, he withdrew from the sea for a time 
and went to school, where he applied himself particularly to 
the study of navigation. Upon leaving school, he accepted 
the position of mate of a whale ship — Capt. Trowbridge, 
master — which was about to sail from Nantucket to the 
coast of Guinea on -a whaling voyage. He was in the 
land and naval service of the United States during a por- 
tion of the Revolutionary war, and after its close, being a 
skillful pilot, he found ready and ample employment in 
piloting vessels over the shoals and along the coast. 

Upon quitting the sea, having drawn a lot of land in 
what was afterwards the town of New Vineyard, in April, 
1792, Mr. Butler and his family sailed in the schooner 
"Snubbet" — Capt. Sarson Butler, master — from the port 
of Holmes Hole for Hallowell, which they reached after a 
rough passage, having been obliged to throw their deck- 
load overboard at the mouth of the Kennebec River. At 
this time there was a large exodus from the island of 
Martha's Vineyard, generally bound for the same destina- 
tion. On board the " Snubbet," in addition to Mr. Butler 
and family were Herbert and Walter Boardman, David 
and Wendell Davis, Nathan and Samuel Daggett, Henry 
Butler, Joseph Smith, and Asa Merry, with their families, 
as well as others. Mr. Butler took up his residence in 
Sandy River township for about a year, and in the spring 
of 1793 removed to his land in New Vineyard, which was 
then an almost unbroken wilderness, although he had 
made a chopping the year before. This lot, situated in 
that part of Industry formerly New Vineyard, has since 
been known as the Henry Manter farm. Mr. Butler lived 
there until 1801, when he purchased and settled upon the 
farm owned by Leander A. Daggett, where he resided until 
1806, when he removed to the farm now owned by Luther 
Gordon and others, located on the west side of the river. 
He md., Aug. 28, 1778, Lovie Sherman Pease of Edgar- 



402 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



i6 
17 



19 



23 
24 

25 
26 

27 
28 



29 



town, Mass., who was b. Oct. i, 1759 ; d. March 6, 1843. 
He d. April 3, 1832. Seven children, first five b. at 
Martha's Vineyard, Mass. : — 

I. ^Jeremiah, b. April 22, 1780. 
II. ''^Francis, b. Oct. 12, 1782. 

III. Olive, b. Aug. 2, 1785; md., March 6, 1806, 

Samuel, son of Jonathan Knowlton, q. v. ; d. 
Dec. 16, 1838. 

IV. Betsey, b. Jan. 29, 178S ; md., Feb. 20, 1812, 

Samuel, son of Samuel Knowlton, q. v. ; md. 
(2) Feb. 16, 1826, Ebenezer B. Wellman, who 
was b. July 7, 1786, and d. of cholera at 
Mainville, Ohio, Aug. 2, 1850. She d. June 
10, 1855. 
V. Lovie, b. April 27, 1791 ; md., Nov. 26, 18 12, 

Francis Knowlton, q. v. ; d. Oct. 6, 1840. 
VI. Abigail, b. in Farmington, Jan. 27, 1794; md. 
Samuel Wheeler of Phillips; d. July 17, 1872. 
He was b. in Maiden, Mass., April 20, 1797, 
and d. Jan. 2, 1879. 7 children: 

1. Mary Wheeler, b. Aug. 20, 1819; md., 

Dec. 6, 1855, Dr. Amzi Sanborn. 

2. Eliza Wheeler, b. March 17, 1822; md., 

Nov. 26, 1848, Hiram French. 

3. Francis Butler Wheeler, b. April i, 1823 ; 

md., March 4, 1852, Lovina French. 

4. William Butler Wheeler, b. July 21, 

1826 ; md., Feb. 28, 1856, Louisa 
Burbank. 

5. Eunice Brackett Wheeler, b. Nov. 27, 

1831 ; md., Nov. 12, 1863, Selden 
Cleveland. 

6. Joel Wheeler, b. April 21, 1834; d. Dec. 

19. 1853. 

7. George Washington Wheeler, b. Nov. 

30, 1836. He became a resident 
of Farmington in 1873, was elected 
selectman in 1883, and is now 
chairman of the board. He md., 
June 15, 187 1, H. Augusta, dau. of 
Alvan Currier, q. v. 

VII. William, b. in New Vineyard, July 30, 1798 ; md., 
March 23, 1820, Eunice Brackett, b. Aug, i, 
1798, who resides in Scarboro ; d. May 4, 
1866; s.p. 



GElVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



403 



Jeremiah Butler was a successful farmer and acquired 
a competency by industry. In religious faith he was a 
Methodist, and an acceptable local preacher of that order, 
respected for his upright character. He md., Nov. 25, 
1802, Sarah, daughter of Jonathan Knowlton, g. v. ; d. 
July 10, 1851 ; she d. May 15, 1863. Five children: — 

I. 0/i7'e, b. Sept. 6, 1803 ; d. Nov. 14, 1829. 
II. *Ephraim Sherf/ian, b. Sept. 13, 1805. 
in. Jeremiah, b. Oct. 24, 1807 ; d. May 26, 1808. 
IV. * Jeremiah, b. April 28, 18 10. 

V. Francis Kno'wlto7i, b. Nov. 13, 18 19. He went to 
Ohio as a young man, married, and thence 
removed to Iowa, where he now resides. 

Francis Butler (vide page 299) commenced lite as a 
farmer, and subsequently engaged in mercantile pursuits. 
For five years, from 1827 to 1832, he was a merchant at 
the Fairbanks village. During a large part of his active 
life, he was engaged in buying cattle for the Brighton 
market, and in this business he was successful. He was 
selectman of the town in 1829-30-31-32-34, town treas- 
urer in 1835, and representative to the legislature in 1832. 
He md., March 17, 1808, Mary, daughter of Benjamin 
and Lydia (Blunt) Blackstone, and granddaughter of Eben- 
ezer Blunt, q. v. ; she d. April 24, 1823. He md. (2) Jan. 
19, 1826, Rebecca, daughter of Jonathan Knowlton, q. v. 
He d. June i, 1845. Five children : — 

I. *Francis Gould, b. March 31, 1812. 
II. Mary Jane, b. Aug. 29, 1822; md., Dec. 18, 1845, 
Reuben Cutler, q. v. ; d. March 24, 1847. 

Second marriage : 

III. Carolifie Elvira, b. March 28, 1828; md., Dec. 

17, 1846, Abraham W. F. Belcher, q. v. 

IV. * Hiram Augustus, b. Aug. 29, 1831. 

V. Margaret Jo Sep hi?ie, b. March 10, 1836; md., Jan. 
ig, i860, Timothy F. Belcher, q. v. 

Fphraim S. Butler spent his lile as a farmer in Farm- 
inglon. He md., Feb. 16, 1830, Caroline, daughter of 
Jonathan Knowlton, q. v. ; d. June 3, 1878. Three chil. : — 

I. Hiram Francis, b. April 16, 1832; d. Aug. 11, 

1835- 
ri. Julia Wendell, b. Jan. 23, 1837. 
III. Charles Francis, b. Feb. 11, 1843. 



Jeremiah Butler, Jr., spent his early life in Farm- 
ington, later lived in Portland, and at present resides in 
Iowa. He md., Sept., 1833, Rachel (xay, dau. of Joseph 



404 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



43 

44 
(35) 



45 
46 

47 
48 



49 

(38) 

50 

51 

52 
53 
54 



Fairbanks, q. v. ; she d. Jan. 25, 1850. He md. (2) Jan., 
185 1, Mrs. Rebecca C. Dresser. Two children : — 

I. Marietta Louisa, b. April 22, 1835 ; "^d., Nov. 15, 
1855, Almaron F., son of Joseph S. Craig, q. v. 
II. Sarah Ellen, b. June 8, 1840 ; d. Oct. 26, 1847. 



Francis G. Butler, son of Francis, has always resided 
in Farmington. He md., July 23, 1842, Julia, daughter 
of Thomas Wendell, q. v. tour children : — 

I. Mary Elizabeth, b. May 6, 1843 ; d. May 21, 185S, 

II. Julia Page, b. Dec. r, 1847; ^- Sept. 11, 1851. 

III. Apphia Stanley, b. April 11, 1851 ; d. Oct, i, i860. 

IV. Carrie Frances, b. April 30, 1855 ; md., Sept. 18, 

1879, Charles F. Thwing. He was b. in New 
Sharon, Nov. 9, 1853. Resides in Cambridge, 
Mass. I child : 

I. Mary Butler Thwing, b. in Cambridge, 
Mass., Oct. 30, 1880. 



Hiram A. Butler has always resided in Farmington, 
and occupies the homestead farm. He md., June 4, 1854, 
Lucy Maria, daughter of John Corbett, q. v.; she d. July 
29, 1879. Five children : — 

I. Helen Josephine, b. Aug. 3, 1855 ; md., Sept. 3, 

1876, J. Belcher Holley, q. v. 
II. Caroline Elvira, b. April 2, 1857 ; md., Oct. 24, 
1880, John C. Spaulding. 

III. Frank Louis, b. Dec. 13, i860. 

IV. Mary Affie, b. Oct. 11, 1862. 

V. Sadie May, b. May 2, 1873; d. Sept. 9, 1875. 



Edward Butler, son of Elijah before mentioned, first 
settled in New Vineyard, but after a brief residence, 
removed to this town, where he continued to live during 
his lite. He was for some years a merchant at Backus 
Corner as the partner of Samuel L. Jones. He subse- 
quently purchased of the Messrs. Johnson, the store 
situated north of the Common, which he changed to a 
hotel, the present L of Hotel Marble. Mr. Butler con- 
ducted this hotel, in connection with his store, until about 
1828, when he disposed of it to Z. T, Milliken, and 
devoted his energies wholly to trade. He was a deputy 
sheriff many years, both before and after the organization 
of Franklin County. He represented the town in the 
Legislature of 1825-26, and served as its treasurer in 
1829-30. He was b. April 24, 1780; md., Jan. 23, 1800, 
Mehitable, daughter of Ephraim Norton, q. v. ; d. May 
2, 1849. She d. AjM-il 10, 1867. Ten children : — 






vCc 



iX^ 



GEMEALOGICAL REGISTER. 405 

I. * Freeman, b. Dec. 12, 1800. 

II. Harriet Byron, b. Nov. 10, 1802 ; cl. Sept. 19, 
1804. 

III. Sophia IVeston. b. Dec. 24, 1804; d. May 20, 

1808. 

IV. Anna Norton, b. July 11, 1807; nid., Dec. 6, 

1827, Zachariah T. Milliken, q. v. 
V. Elizabeth Mayhew, b. Jan. 19, 1810; nid., Dec. 

16, 1827, Asa Abbot, q. v. 
VI. Edward Kelley, b. May 11, 1812; md. Hannah 
Wood of Wiscasset. He was a lawyer, and 
settled in Hallowell, where he now lives. 
VII. *Otis Brown, b. July 7, 18 14. 
VIII. Augustus, b. Feb. 15, 1817 ; d. Aug. 10, 1850. 
IX. Jamei Instance, b. Mav 25, 1819; d. April 2, 

1825. 
X. Alary Cutler, b. July 28, 1823 ; md., Sept. 2-^, 
1S60, Sylvanus R. Norton, q. v. 



WiNTHROP Butler, brother of the preceding, settled 
upon the homestead, and succeeded his father, Elijah 
Butler, in the tanning business, continuing until about 
[835, when the establishment was allowed to go to decay. 
He commanded the respect of all who shared his acquain- 
tance, for his sterling moral worth. He suffered many 
years from ill health, and died June 19, 1838, aged 53 
vears. He md., Jan. 29, 1807 (pub.) Elizabeth, dau. of 
Zaccheus and Pamela (Smith) Mayhew; she d. April 18, 
1827, a^ed 40 years. Seven children : — 

I. Charles Grandison. b. Dec. 15, 1807; killed bv 

the kick of a horse, (Jet. 20, 1824. 
II. Harriet Byron, b. March 13, 1809; md., July 25 

1831, Philip S. Lowell; d. in Foxcroft, Oct. 

19, 1857. 
III. Pamela Smith, b. Jan. i, 181 1 ; md. F. V. Stewart. 

q. T. ; d. P'eb. 4, 1849. 
IV. ]Vinihrop, b. Feb. 5, 1S14; d. in the winter ol 

1832. 
V. Sarson Kelly, b. Jan. 5, 1816; d. Jan. 6, 18 16, 
VI. Eliza Mayhew, b. Dec. 5, 181 7; md., Oct. 21:,, 

1843, Charles Marshall Barrell. 2 chil. : 

1. Charles Frederic Barrell, b. June 19, 

1846; md., Oct. 25, 1871, Flora A. 
Arnold; d. June 6, 1875. i child. 

2. Helen Huntington Barrell, b. Nov. 29, 

1852 ; md.. Jan. 8, 1875, Marshall C. 
Percival of Auburn, i child. 



52 



4o6 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(2) 



23 
24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

(8) 



29 

30 
31 
32 



VII. George Albert, b, April 15, 1S22 ; d. in 1841, on 
board a whale ship in the Indian Ocean. 



Capt. Freeman Butler, son of Edward, began busi- 
ness at the Center Village as a merchant, and as the 
partner of Albert Dillingham, in 1821. After a few years, 
he removed to West's Mills, Industry, where he continued 
to trade until he retired to his farm, in' the north-east 
part of this town, which is now owned by Obed N. Collins. 
Mr. Butler was elected captain of the " Farmington Light 
Infantry," an organization which had a- brief -existence. 
He md., Nov. 23, 1820, Sally, dau. of Nathaniel Hersey, 
q. v., who d. Feb. i, 1862. Seven children : — 

I. Sophia Afi/i, b. Aug. 29, 1822; md., Dec. 31, 

1838, Hiram Holley, q. v. 
II. Caroline Elizabeth, b. July 22, 1824; md., May 2, 
1866, .Israel Herrick, who d. in Haverhill, 
Mass., Sept. 9, 188 1, aged 76 years. 

III. Sarah Louise, b. Feb. 14, 1828; md., Feb. 5, 

1852, Warren R. Gilman of Mercer; d. Feb. 
13, 1861. 

IV. James Freeman, b. June 4, 1829; md., June 5, 

1853, Mary E., dau. of Joseph Holley, q. v. 6 
chil. Resides in Texas. 

V. *Edward, b. Oct. 22, 1833. 
VI. Lucy Elvira, b. Oct. 22, 1834; md., May 24, 

1857, Moses W. Downs; d. July 14, 1866. 
VII. Mittie Norton, b. Jan. 9, 1845 ; md.. May 24, 
1865, George H. Johnston, b. in Alyth, Scot- 
land, March 10, 1844. 



Otis B. Butler, a younger brother of Captain Freeman 
Butler, first settled in town upon the farm now (1885) 
owned by David Spaulding, where he remained for some 
years, when impaired health compelled him to relinquish 
farming operations. He then engaged in buying and 
selling agricultural products. He md., Sept. 27, 1837, 
Ursula, daughter of James and Relepha (Roach) Ridgway ; 
she was b. in New Vineyard, Sept. 30, 18 15. Six chil. : — 

I. Relepha Ridgzvay, b. Sept. 14, 1839; md., Feb. 3, 

1867, Cyrus T. Reed; (2) May 3, 1877, B. 

Frank Campbell. Resides in Garland. 

II. Emma Louisa, b. Feb. 8, 1841 ; md., Oct. 14, 

1866, E. Sprague Swift. Resides in Lewiston. 

III. James Ridgway, b. March 2, 1845 ; d. April 6, 

1856. 

IV. Zachariah Millihen, b. Sept. 18, 1851; d. July 

7, 1861. 



GEiVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



407 



34 



(26) 



35 
36 



V. Augustus Wtnthrop, ) 1 , 00 

^ ^ r 41. J. ■ b. Aug. 8, iScc;. 
VI. Augusta Lothrop, \ & ' 00 

Augustus W. md., Feb. 19, 18S0, Lizzie S. J. 

Jewett. I child. 

Augusta L. d. March 6, 1857. 

Edward Butler, second son of Capt. Freeman Butler, 
very early in life became an employe of the Maine Central 
Railroad Company, and served as depot master at Cum- 
berland for some years. He is now (1885) filling a like 
position at West Farmington, and is regarded as a faithful 
and efficient officer. He md., Oct. 17, 1872, Etta F, 
Merrill of Cumberland, where she was b. Dec. 31, 1852. 
Two children : — 

I. Guy IVarrcn, b. Jan. 28, 1874. 
11. Er7iest Freeman, b. Feb. 14, 1876. 



Benjamin Butterfield was among the early settlers of Charlestown, 
Mass. He removed to Woburn in 1640, where he is spoken of as a large 
landed proprietor. In 1654, he moved thence to Chehnsford, where he 
died March 21, 1688. The records of Woburn show three sons born to 
him and his wife Ann, Nathaniel, Samuel and Joseph. Two other 
Buttertields, Benjamin and Jonathan, whose names appear upon the 
Chelmsford records, were doubtless his sons. Jonathan settled in Cam- 
bridge, and died without children ; the others settled in the vicinity of 
Chelmsford, and were the ancestors of the Butterfields of Middlesex 
County. It has not been ascertained which of the four sons of Benjamin 
and Ann Butterfield was the father of Samuel Butterfield, who is the first 
of the name to whom the Farmington Butterfields can be traced. Samuel 
Butterfield and his wife Rachel were residents of Chelmsford, and there 
their second son, Ebenezer, was born July 13, 1706. 



Ebenezer Butterfield's name appears on the list of 
tax-payers in Dunstable in 1744, the date of the earliest 
tax records. He was also a member of the church in 
1757 with his wife Alice, and served in the Continental 
army. He was twice married. The name of his first wife 
was Sarah, and that of his second Alice. He d. in 1795. 
The Dunstable records show nine children : — 



* Ebenezer, b. Jan. 26, 1732. 

* Samuel, b. Feb. 24, 1738. 

Leo7iard, b. Nov. 17, 1740; md., about 1767, 
Joanna, who d. May 26, 1771 ; md. (2) about 
177 1, Olive ; d. Nov. 17, 1800. He was among 
the most patriotic of the citizens of Dunstable, 



4o8 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



9 

lo 



(2) 



12 
14 

(3) 



IV. 

V, 

VI. 



and his name frequently appears on its military 
record as captain of the "alarm list." 6 chil. 
* Jonas, b. Sept. 12, 1742. 
Sarah, b. June 23, 1746; d. unmd. 
Mary, b. Oct. 3, 1748; md. Peter Parker; md. 
(2) Oct. 28, 1778, John F. Woods, </. v.\ d. 
Oct. 16, 1844. 

Second marriage : 

VII. *Jcsse, b. April 28, 1752. 
VIII. Rachel, b. Oct. 8, 1754. 
IX. Philip, b. Oct. 8, 1757; md., about 1778, Mary, 
who d. Jan. 16, iSoi. He was a member of 
the Continental army. Married a second time 
and removed to Wilton. 8 chil. 



Ebenezer Butterfield, Jr., was a member of the first 
company raised in Dunstable for the defence of the 
country in the Revolutionary War. It seems probable 
that he served in the army so long as the war was waged 
on New P^ngland soil. He came to the township about 
1790, and bought river-lot No. 6, west side, of Moses 
Chandler. Here he spent the^ remainder of his life. Mr. 
Butterfield md., about 1760, P'Jizabeth Emery, who was b. 
October, 1732. She d. in Farmington, May i, 1818. He 
d. April 2, 1821. Five children, b. in Dunstable: — 

I. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 20, 1763; md., about 1784, 

Oliver Bailey, q. v.; d. March 10, 1842. 
II. * Reuben, b. Dec. 29, 1764. 

III. Joseph, b. July 10, 1768: md. Hastings. Was 

a physician, and settled in Turner, where he 
died. 

IV. Mary, b. Aug. 8, 1770; md. Eliphalet Jennings, 

q. V. ; d. Jan. 19, 185 i. 
V. Sarah, b. Sept. 17, 1772; md., March 27, 1799 
(pub.) Oliver Wright. 



Samuel Butterfield bore a part with the other brave 
men of Dunstable in the Revolutionary struggle. He 
does not seem to have been a member of the earliest 
company raised in the town, but was drafted in June, 1777, 
and served at least one year. In company with his brother 
Jonas, he came to the Sandy River township in November, 
1 78 1, with his family. They came in wagons as far as 
Monmouth, through Lewiston, and thence on horseback 
the remainder of the distance. Mr. Butterfield settled on 
river-lot No. 2, west side, and built a temporary house by 
setting forked posts, laying poles across them, and covering 
them with elm bark. He soon added to this a small 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



409 



framed building, the first built in town, which still stands 
as a part of the buildings on the place. This he occupied 
as a dwelling until 1789, when he built the substantial 
farm-house formerly occupied by his son, Moses Butter- 
field, being the second framed house built on the river. 
Having purchased lot No. 3, adjoining his first farm on 
the south, he erected upon it, in 1800, the brick mansion 
now owned by the heirs of Calvin D. Sewall. 

The family of Mr. Butterfield was one of the first eight 
families to pass a winter in town. Although he had made 
no improvements upon his farm previous to taking up his 
residence upon it, the work of bringing it into cultivation 
was soon accomplished. He planted the apple-trees which 
first fruited in the town. Mr. Butterfield was one of the 
proprietors of the town ; and in company with Francis Tufts 
went to Boston in 1790 to conclude the purchase. He was 
a man of great enterprise, and to him, with the other pio- 
neers, is due the early prosperity of Farmington. He served 
as representative to the General Court in 1808, and d. the 
same year, July 29, 1808. He md. in Dunstable, Nov. 12, 
176 1, Hannah Chandler, sister of Col. Moses Chandler, 
q. V. She was b. in VVestford, Mass., Aug. 27, 1742, and 
d. April 14, 181 4. Ten children : — 

I. Hannah^ b. in Dunstable, Mass., Dec. 23, 1762 ; 
md., March 16, 1786, Solomon Adams, ^. z^. ; 
d. March 20, 1856. 
II. Samuel, Jr., h. in Dunstable, March 18, 1766; md. 
Rachel Sawyer. He was an enterprising man, 
and had great mechanical ingenuity. When a 
mere lad he built a rude grist-mill on Blunt's 
brook, one of the first constructed in town. 
He was one of the first settlers in Wilton, 
where he built and operated mills about 1791. 
He d. Jan. 25, 1816. i dau., who md. 
Charles Morse. 
Lydia, b. in Dunstable, Feb. 22, 177 1 ; md., 
14, 1794, Josiah Green; d. Feb. 3, 
Lived in Wilton. 

* Henry, b. in Dunstable, Oct. 25, 1773. 
Susannah, b. in Dunstable, Oct. 23, 1775 ! 

Farmington, July 13, 1790, being the first death 
of an adult female. 
Sarah, b. in Dunstable, Dec. 2, 1777 ; md., March, 
1796, Jonas Butterfield, Jr., q. v.; d. March, 
1865. 

* Moses, b. in Dunstable, May 30, 1780. 
Prudence, b. in Farmington, Feb. 12, 1784; md., 

in 1800, Nathaniel Russell, q. v. ; md. (2) 
1832, Taylor Whittier; d. March 18, 1876. 



III. 



IV. 
V. 



Col. 

. July 

1851. 



d. in 



VII. 
VIII. 



4IO 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



24 
25 

(5) 



26 



27 
28 



29 



(8) 



IX. *James, b. Jan. i, 1786. 
X. * Isaac, b. May 8, 1788. 



Jonas Butterfield was enrolled in the first company 
raised in Dunstable in defence of the country, in 1776, 
and was corporal of the " training band." Jt is probable 
that he served until 1778, when it appears from the records 
that he was paid off. He came to the township in com- 
pany with his brother Samuel in 1781, and with him and 
seven other families, passed the first winter in town. He 
settled on river-lot No. 18, west side, known as the Ing- 
ham farm, where he spent his life. His first house, built 
near the interval, was flooded in the great freshet of 
Oct. 22, 1785. He later built the framed house still 
standing on the farm. Mr. Butterfield md., in Dunstable, 
Esther. She d. Feb. 16, 1824; he d. June 22, 1826. 
Four children b. in Dunstable: — 

I. Rebecca, b. Oct. i, 1768 ; md., April 19, 1797, 

David Ingham; d. Nov. 17, 1848. 3 chil. 
II. *Jonas,Jr., b. May 24, 1773. 

III. Esther, b. April 12, 1778; md., Aug. 5, 1799, 

Jonathan Graves, q. v. ; d. Nov. 28, 1853. 

IV. John, b. April 16, 1780; md., June 25, 1800, Sibyl 

Willard. Settled in New Sharon. Chil. 



Jesse Butterfield, half brother of the preceding, was 
perhaps the most patriotic member of this most patriotic 
family. As early as March, 1775, we find him banded 
with other citizens of Dunstable for their country's defence. 
His name is one of twenty-eight signed to the following 
pledge : 

"We the subscribers, taking into our consideration the 
present difficulty, do hereby voluntarily engage with each 
other in defence of our country, privileges and liberties, 
for the space of six months from this date ; that we will 
submit ourselves to the laws, equally the same as if they 
were in full force, respecting our officers that now are or 
hereafter may be chosen, in all military duty." 

"Dunstable, March 1, 1775." * 

On the morning of the Battle of Lexington, Jesse 
marched for the field, and was on the ground before the 
dead patriots had been removed. He was in the Battle 
of Bunker Hill, and served throughout the war, being, 
with his four brothers, a member of Capt. Cummings' 
company, the first regularly raised in Dunstable to aid the 
Continental Congress. Before the close of the war, about 



* History of Dunstable, p. 112. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



411 



1780, he md. Lydia, daughter of Josiah and Jemima 
Blodgett, who is described as a noble woman " of the 
Puritan stamp. She was b. Oct. i, 1758. Immediately 
after the formal declaration of peace, Mr. and Mrs. 
Butterfield, with their two young children, one an infant 
in the arms, started on their long journey through the 
wilderness from Dunstable to Sandy River. They settled 
on river-lot No. 16, west side, and there made their home 
for life. He d. Feb. 6, 1842, at the advanced age of 
ninety, having for many years enjoyed the bounty of his 
country in return for the services he had rendered in the 
hour of her need. His wife d. June 12, 1837. Seven 
children are here recorded : — 

I. Alice, b. in Dunstable, June 11, 1781; md., Jan. 
26, 1837 (pub.) John Newell of Strong; d. 
March 18, 1874; s. p. 
II. Jacob IVarren, b. \n Dunstable, March 12, 1783; 
md., Jan. 17, 18 14, Sarah Whitney of Chester- 
ville; d. Nov. 14, 1875. He settled in Ches- 
terville. Chil. 

III. *Asa, b. in Farmington, Aug. 30, 1786. 

IV. Jemima, b. April 1, 1792 ; d. unmd. 

V. Susan, b. May 30, 1794 ; md., Jan. i, 18 17, Nehe- 

miah French ; d. in Phillips, June 6, 1864. 
VI. *Jesse,Jr., b. March 28, 1799. 

VII. Otis, b. April 30, 1801 ; md., Aug. 24, 1823, 
Lovisy Whitney of Chesterville ; d. Oct. 30, 
1874 ; she d. Jan. i, 1865. Settled in Phillips', 
where he spent his life. Chil. 



Reuben Butterfield Rrst came into the township 
when a lad, in company with his uncle, Samuel Butter- 
field. He remained here some years and then returned 
to Dunstable. He enlisted in Massachusetts for the 
suppression of Shay's Rebellion in 1786, and subsequently 
returned to Sandy River. He first took up back lot No. 
7, east side, which he afterwards sold, and bought of 
Joseph Riant river-lot No. 39. Having made an arrange- 
ment to care for his parents during their declining \eaVs, 
he moved on to his father's farm, where he lived and'died! 
Mr. Butterfield was twice married: Feb. 13, 1792, to 
Jane Whitney, who was b. in Dunstable, March' 11, 1767 ; 
d. Sept. 20, 1819 ; md. (2) Dec. 29, 1823 (pub.) Elizabeth 
Hardy. He d. Dec. i, 1857. Seven children by first 
marriage : — 

I. Joseph, b. Sept. 30, 1794; md., May 12, 1S24, 
Sarah Sawtelle ; d. July 3, 1877. 'He lived as 
a farmer in Farmington, highly respected for 
his upright character; s. p. 



412 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



38 

39 
40 

41 

42 
(19) 



43 

44 

45 
46 

47 

48 

49 

50 

(22) 



51 

52 



n. O/ive, b. Dec. 23, 1795. 

III. *^xa, b. Nov. I, 1797. 

IV. Sarah, b. April 3, 1799 ; md., April 10, 1823, 

Daniel, son of Samuel P'.anies, q. v. 
V. Hannah, b. March 7, 1805 ; nid., April 28, 1S30, 

Caleb Butlerfield, g. v. 
VI. Jane Whitney, b. Oct. 11, 1815 ; unmd. 



Henry Butterfield received from his father large 
tracts of land in the west part of Farmington, said to 
equal a square mile. He settled in Wilton, however, at 
what is now the Lower Mills, where he owned a valuable 
farm and operated mills. He md., March 7, 1796, Ruth 
M. Hilman ; b. in Freetown, Mass., Aug. 29, 1776. She 
d. May 17, 1846 ; he md. (2) Mrs. Huldah Gilbert, b. Feb. 
22, 1787. She d. Sept. 4, 1859. He d. May 22, 1865. 
Seven children : — 

I. Kuih, b. Feb. 4, 1797 ; md., May 7, 1819, Daniel 
Chandler; he d. Dec, 1819; md. (2) David T. 
Mosher ; d. May 21, 1856. 
II. Henry, Jr., b. Sept. 11, 1799; md., Nov. 13, 1823, 
Martha W. BuUen ; d. June 20, 1883, in 
Nebraska. 

III. Iniia, b. in Wilton, Feb. 20, 1802 ; md., Nov. 20, 

1823, Benjamin, son of Fphraim Butterfield, Jr., 
q. V. ; md. (2) Thomas Hayes. Lives in Wilton. 

IV. Samuel, b. in Wilton, May 21, 1804; md., Dec. 

27, 1827, Elizabeth, dau. of John F. Woods, Jr., 
q.v.\ d. Sept. 29, 1881. Lived in Wilton, and 
died on the homestead farm. 
V. Clarissa, b. in Wilton, April 2^, 1806; d. Feb. 9, 

1808. 
VI. Thomas, b. in Wilton, Nov. 3, 1808 ; md., in 1830, 

Hope P2aton. Resides in California. 
VII. William, b. in Wilton, Sept. 22, 1811 ; d. Jan. 28, 

1833 ; unmd. 
VIII. George, b. in Wilton, July 31, 1814; md., Nov., 
1844, Sarah Jenness ; she d. Sept. 29, 1867, 
and he md. (2) Mary Ann Dascomb. He 
resides in Kasota, Minnesota. 



Moses Butterfield settled on the lot first taken up 
by his father, and there passed his life. In 1832 he was 
elected town treasurer, and served the town as represen- 
tative to the legislature in 1834. He md., June 14, 1801, 
Sarah Merrill, who was b. in 1782, and d. Sept. 26, 1866. 
Mr. Butterfield d. Sept. 19, 1866. Eleven children : — 

I. * Caleb, b. June 12, 1802. 
II. Mary, b. March 13, 1804; d. Nov. 11, 1S20. 




/^U^-7^>-L^^ ^^ ^J^J^^Zc^>;^<^^^^^^^^^ 



GEIVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



413 



VIII 



III. Prudence., b. Feb. 21, 1806; nid., Aug. 22, 1826, 
Stephen Parker; d. Nov. 22, 1829. He d. 
Sept. 10, 1831. 

IV. Cyrena, b. May 26, 1S08 ; d. Nov. 12, 1829; 
unmd. 

V. * Moses, Jr., b. Aug. 15, 1810. 
VI. Almas, b. Feb. 16, 1813; d. May, 1832. 
VII. Elmira, b. July 28, 1815; md., Sept. 11, 1852, F. 
W. Campbell ; d. Mar. 20, 1855. 
Abigail, b. Jan. 15, 1818 ; md., May 21, 1840 
(pub.), Samuel S. Lambert; d. Oct. 19, 1869. 
IX. Mary Ann, b. Oct. 16, 1820; md., Dec. 12, 1842, 
Sylvanus D., son of Ebenezer Davis, q. v. 3 
chil. 
X. Sarah, b. Apr. i, 1823 ; d. June 2, 1832. 
XI. Clarinda, b. Aug. 25, 1825; md., Apr., 1869, J, 
D. Prescott, q. v. 

James Butterfield settled upon the south half of the 
homestead farm and made it his home for life. Although 
unpretending in manner, Mr. Butterfield was highly es- 
teemed by his townsmen, who called him from time to 
time to fill many important offices. He served the town as 
selectman in 1817-19-20-2 1-29-30-31-32-35-39, and was 
representative to the legislature in 1824 and 1825. Upon 
the organization of Franklin County in 1838, he was 
appointed chairman of the board of County Commission- 
ers, and in 1840 was again appointed to the position. Mr. 
Butterfield served in the militia in various capacities, chief 
of which was colonel of the 2d Regiment. He md. Anna 
Clark, who was b. Oct. 4, 1784, and died Apr. 3, 1864. 
He d. June 13, 1866. Twelve children : — 

I. Nancy, b. June 3, 1808; md., Sept. 30, 1832, 

Knoch Huse ; d. July 10, 1879. Chil. 
II. Hannah, b. Jan. i, 1810; md.. Mar. 9, 1843, 
William, son ol Rulus Corbett, q. v. ; d. Oct. 
3, 1850. 

III. Matilda, b. Mar. 10, 1813; d. Mar. 19, 1813. 

IV. Lavinia, b. Feb. 16, 1814; md., Jan. 22, 1840, T. 

McL. Davis, q. v. 

V. Emily, b. Dec. 13, 1815 ; md., June 15, 1843, 

Samuel A. Campbell; d. Oct. 11, 1868. 
VI. Dorcas, b. Apr. 13, 1818; md., Sept. 6, 1838, 

Richard Hitchcock, Jr., of Damariscotta. 
VII. Elvira, b. Apr. 6, 1820; d. Feb. 17, 1821. 
VIII. Enicline, b. Nov. 20, 1821 ; d. Jan. 14, 1822. 
IX. Julia, b. July 18, 1825 ; md., Nov. 10, 1850, 
Henry C. Whittier; d. in Cambridgeport, 
Mar. 27, i860. 



S3 



414 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



71 

72 

73 

(25) 



74 

75 
76 

77 
78 

(27) 



79 
80 



(32) 



82 
83 

84 



X. Theresa, b. Mar, 2, 1829; d. June 7, 1S32. 
XI. Maria, b. May 4, 1833 ; md. July 4, 1859, Nathan 

Pinkham ; d. Apr. 28, 1863. 
XII. Infant son. 

Isaac Butterfield was a farmer upon a part o( back- 
lot No, 15, west side, the same now occupied by his 
grandson, Isaac W. Butterfield. He was a conscientious, 
upright man, and highly respected. He md., Dec. 28, 
1809, Mary, dau. of Thomas Hiscock, q. v. Mr. Butter- 
field d. Apr. 8, 1874. His wife d. Oct. 14, 1869. Five 
children : — 

I, *Almon, b. Apr. 16, 18 12. 
II. * Isaac, b. Aug. i, 18 14. 

III. Mary, b. July 3, 1816; md., Apr. 25, 1S41, James 

Porter Russell, q. v. 

IV. * James, b, Dec, 27, 18 18. 

V. Joseph, b. Aug. 30, 1831 ; d. Mar. 8, 1S36. 



Jonas Butterfield, Jr., settled in Wilton on the farm 
now owned by Joseph Furbush. He was killed by light- 
ning while standing at an open window in his house, July 
II, 1809. Mr. Butterfield was a man of powerful phy- 
sique, and capable of great endurance. He was very 
popular among his fellow-townsmen, and his shocking 
death was universally lamented. He md., Mar., 1796, his 
cousin, Sarah, dau. of Samuel Butterfield, q. v. Three 
daughters : — 

I. Sarah, b. Mar. 16, 1798; md.. Mar. 21, 1816, 

Solomon Adams, Jr., q. v. ; d. May 8, 1883. 
II. Lydia. 
III. Olive, md. Reuben Lord. 



Asa Butterfield settled in Chesterville, later in Phil- 
lips, and finally upon his father's farm, and lived there 
until 1857, when he removed to Piqua, 0., where he d., 
Mar, 6, 1862. He md., Dec. 30, 1810, Hannah, eldest 
dau. of Jacob Jordan. She was b. in Sharon, Mass., Oct. 
27, 1791, and died in Piqua, O., May 12, 1874. Ten 
children :- — 

I. Infant daughter. 

II. William Hari'ison, \ b. in Chesterville, Jan. 26, 
III. Harriet, \ 18 13. 

William H. md.. May 22, 1840, Hannah Fliza- 
beth Norris. In 1849 they removed to Day- 
ton, O., where he was a teacher in the public 
schools many years. He removed to Tojie- 
ka, Kan,, in 1866, where he was superin- 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 415 

tendent of the city schools several years. 
He still resides in Topeka. 4 chil. 
Harriet md., July 4, 1833, Abner, son of Capt. 
Sylvanus Davis, q. v. 4 chil. 

85 IV. Marcus Qui/icy, b. in Farniington, Apr. 7, 18 15 ; 
md. in 1845 Elizabeth McKecknie of Nor- 
ridgewock ; md. (2), Mar. 8, 1855, Lucy Wilde, 
dau. of Col. Daniel Beale, q. v. He has been 
for many years a successful lawyer in Anoka, 
Minn. ; has been mayor of the city, and has 
served as county attorney ; s. p. 

86 V. Albert Gallatin, b. Aug. 25, 1817 ; md., Oct. i, 
1846, Eliza Brigham, dau. of the late Edward 
Phelps, of Dayton, O. He has for years been 
engaged in manufacturing at Piqua, O. 4 
chil. 

87 VI. Atnanda Malvina, b. Nov. 8, 1819; md., May 13, 
1841, Jabez Vaughan of New Vineyard. Re- 
sides in Farmington. i dau. 

88 VII. Horatio Quincy, b. in Phillips, Aug. 5, 1822. He 
fitted for college at the Farmington Academy, 
and graduated at Harvard College in 1848. 
He studied theology at Bangor Seminary, was 
graduated in 1853, and ordained to the Con- 
gregational ministry Oct. 5, 1854. From 1853 
-57 Mr. Butterfield was pastor of the church 
at St. Stephen's, N. B. ; from 1857-60 at 
Hallowell, and from 1861-64 ^t Great Falls, 
N. H. In 1865 he was elected to the chair of 
Ancient Languages at Washburn College, 
Kansas, and was made President of the college 
in 1869. He was chosen Corresponding Sec- 
retary of what is now the " American College 
and Education Society" in 1870. In 1876 he 
was chosen third President of Olivet College, 
Olivet, Mich., and this position he still holds. 
He md., Aug. 28, 1856, Caroline Augusta, dau. 
of Col. Noah Robinson of Nashua, N. H. ; 
s.p. 

89 vni. Asa Albion, N m ' Ro 

90 IX. Jesse Frankliji,\ ' ' J" 3 > -5- 
Asa Albion removed to Dayton, O., at an early 

age, and still resides there, engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits. He md., Nov., 1856, Fanny 
Dryden. 2 chil. 
Jesse Franklin fitted for college at Farmington 
Academy, entered Bowdoin College, and 
graduated in the class of 1852. He taught 
in Foxcroft, Augusta, Providence, R. I., and 



4i6 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



91 



(35) 



92 
93 

(39) 



94 
95 

(51) 



96 
97 

98 
99 



St. Anthony, Minn. He md. Sarah Powell 
of Penn Yan, N. Y., and d. in St. Anthony, 
Sept. 24, 1868 ; s. p. 
Charles Henry, b. May 17, 1833 ; fitted for college 
under the tuition of Rev. Jonas Burnham, and 
was graduated at Bowdoin College in the class 
of 1859. Upon graduation he went to Evans- 
ville, Ind , which has since been his home. 
He commanded the 91st Indiana Regiment 
during the war, and was on the point of being 
made a Brigadier-General when the war closed. 
By profession Col. Butterfield is a lawyer, and 
was made Register in Bankruptcy for the First 
Congressional District of Indiana in 1868. In 
1870 he was elected Judge of the Vanderburg 
County Criminal Court. He resigned this 
office in 1872, and was elected mayor of the 
city of Evansville. He md., July 30, 1862, 
Emily Jones, dau. of the late Col. Samuel 
Daggett of Farmington ; .$•. p. 



Jesse Butterfield, Jr., settled upon the homestead. 
He md., in 18 19, Martha Whitney, and d. in Aug., 1822. 
Two daughters : — 

I. Lydia Blodgett, b. Jan. 30, 1820; d. unmd. 
11. Martha Wells, b. July 31, 182 i. 



Asa Butterfield in early life was a successful school- 
teacher, and during his active years was a farmer. He 
resides at West Earmington, and enjoys the respect of all 
for his solid worth. He md., Aug. 20, 182 1, Sarah, dau. 
of John Tufts, q. v., who d. Apr. 7, 1825. Two chil- 
dren : — 

I. Franklin, b, Jan. 4, 1823 ; md. Laura M. Ransom ; 

d. Sept. 23, 1876, in Wilton, Iowa. Chil. 
II. Louisa, b. Dec. i, 1824; d. in infancy. 



Caleb Butterfield first settled in Piscataquis County, 
subsequently returned to his native town, and now resides 
in Strong, He md., Apr. 28, 1830, Hannah, dau. of 
Reuben Butterfield, q. v. Eour children : — 

I. Sarah, b. May, 1832; d. Feb. 17, 1842. 
II. Caleb Merrill, b. in Abbott, Apr. 21, 1834; d. 
Mar. 7, 1856. 

III. Melissa, b. in Abbott, Dec. 3, 1835 ; md. Peter 

Marchant. ^ 

IV, Chauncey, b. Oct. 15, 185 1. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



417 



Moses Buttkrfikld, Jr., settled upon the homestead 
farm, and still lives upon a portion of it. He md., Nov. 
8, 1832, Elizabeth Demick, daughter of Ebenezer Davis, 
q. v., who d. Mar. 16, [86 r; md. (2), May 16, 1868, Mrs, 
Martha Hamlin, b. Aug., 1824. Two children by first 
marriage : — 

I. Jophanus Henderson, b. May 20, 1835 ; md.. May 
4, 186 1, Elizabeth N. Hovey. Was at one 
time in the boot-and-shoe trade at Farmington, 
and subsequently removed to Lawrence, Mass., 
where he now resides ; s. p. 
II. * Almas Sylvanus, b. June 12, 1839. 



Almon Butterfield settled first in Farmington on a 
part of the homestead farm, and subsequently removed to 
Temple, where he now resides. He md., Feb. 10, 1838, 
Sarah Sawtelle Bragg; md. (2) June 17, 1861, Mrs. 
Sophronia Reed Morrison, who was b. in Strong Nov. 13, 
1819. Eight children : — 

I. Attn, b. Feb. 28, 1839; d. Sept. 7, 1842. 
II. Marcellus, b. Aug. 21, 1840; d. Aug. 10, 1842. 
in. John, b. July 3, 1842 ; went to Kansas in 1863, 

where he now lives. 
IV. Elbina, b. Aug. 14, 1844; d. Aug. 20, 1846. 
v. Albert, b. July 14, 1848; d. Jan. 30, 1849. 
VI. Charles, b. Feb. 25, 1850; d, Feb. 10, 1851. 
VII. Josephine, b. Sept. 20, 1852 ; went to Kansas in 
1863. 

Second marriage : 

VIII. Elbina, b. July 30, 1862 ; md., in 1S81, Fred W. 
Noyes. 



Isaac Butterfield, Jr., resided upon the homestead 
farm. He md., July 16, 1848, Phebe Lufkin, b. May i, 
1827. He d. July 2, 1882. Four children : — 

I. Elkfi, b. Oct. 26, 1849; ^'^^•1 Apr. 10, 1869, 

Albert Thompson, i child. 
II. Isaac Weston, b. Jan. 14, 1856; md., Dec. 31, 
1878, Fannie Stevens. 

III. Mary, b. Oct. 25, 1857 ; md., Jan. 29, 1874, 

Walter F. Folsom. 

IV. Ollie, b. Dec. 19, 1863. 



James Butterfield, 2D, settled upon a part of the 
homestead farm, and there spent his life. He was three 
times married : Nov. 28, 1841, Mary B. Hilman, b. June 
17, 1821; she d. Mar. 27, 1853. He md. (2), June 28. 



4i8 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 





114 




115 




116 




117 




118 




119 




120 


( 


lOl) 



121 
122 



1854, Hannah A. R. True, b. May 22, 1817 ; she d. May 
21, i860. He md. (3), Sept. 22, 1863, Emily N. Huse, b, 
Mar. 10, 1834, who survives him. He d. Feb. 14, 1865. 
Seven children : — 

I. Matilda M., b. Mar. 29, 1843 ; md. Eben Per- 

ham ; d. Jan. 2, 1867. 
II. J. Alfred, b. Apr. 7, 1845 ; md., Sept. 10, 1867, P. 
Emma Russell, dau. of Chas. B. Russell, q. v. ; 
d. Feb. 15, 1870 ; s. p. 
HI. Flavilla Z., b. Dec. 22, 1846; d. Jan. 3, 1863. 
IV. Charles A., b. June 7, 1849. Lives in Massachu- 
setts. 
V. Christina H., b. Mar. 29, 1851 ; d. 
VI. Fidelia E., b. Feb. 17, 1853; d. Dec. 22, 1853. 

Third marriage : 

VII. Frank Z., b. Sept. 15, 1864; d. Jan. 30, 1865. 

Almas Sylvanus Butterfield has been for many 
years a successful merchant in the boot-and-shoe trade at 
Farmington. He md., in 1861, Julia C. Bailey, b. in 
Augusta, Oct. 10, 1840. Two children : — 

J. Fred Elmer, b. Aug. 8, 1862. 
II. Gertrude Elizabeth, b. Feb. 27, 1864. 



Ephraim Butterfield. It is not known that the 
family of Ephraim Butterfield is in any way connected 
with the Butterfield family just sketched. The subject of 
this notice was born in England in 1734, and came to this 
country with his two brothers, Abraham and Isaac, but at 
what time is unknown. He made a temporary settlement 
at Dunstable, Mass., but the first authentic date in his 
history is that of settlement in Augusta, which, according 
to Judge North's History, was 1763 or thereabouts.* The 
exact date of his settlement in Farmington cannot be 
accurately determined. It was not later than 1793, nor 
earlier than 1786, probably in 1790. His brother Isaac 
settled in Wilton, and Abraham remained in the Kennebec 
valley. Ephraim Butterfield md. Mary Snow, and d. Mar, 
16, 18 14. She d. July 8, 18 18. Eight children. The 
sons were Samuel, who remained at Augusta, and Ephra- 
im. The daughters were Betsey, who married a Wyman ; 
Sarah, who married a Savvtelle ; Hannah, who married 
Solomon Butterfield, Mar. 27, 1800; Annie, who married 
a Dinsmore ; Mary, who married Micajah Coville ; and 
Lucy, who married a Lombard. 



* North's History of Augusta, p, 92 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



419 



P>HRAiM BuTTERFiELD, Jr., was b. May I, 1772. He 
made a temporary home in Sydney, but came to the farm 
which his father had taken up, back-lot No. 8, west side, 
as early as 1797. Here he made his home for life. He 
was a man of great industry, a successful farmer, and 
esteemed citizen. He md., Apr. 10, 1795, Zipporah Rob- 
inson, who was born on Naushon Island, Apr. 7. 1775. 
Mr. Butterfield d. May 23, 1848, and his wife survived him 
until Apr. 9, 1853. Ten children: — 

I. Benjamin, b. in Sydney, Feb. 20, 1796; md. 
Inda, dau. of Henry Butterfield, q. v., Nov. 20, 
1823 ; d. July 6, 1838. He settled in Wilton. 
11. Susannah, b. Jan. 9, 1798; d. June 26, 1885. 

III. Ingols, b. Feb. 9, 1800; md., Nov. i, 1829, Rhoda, 

dau. of John Tufts, q. v.; d. Aug. 6, 1866. 

IV. Manley, b. Aug. 27, 1801 ; d. May 13, 1802. 

V. Sarah, b. Mar. 9, 1803; md.. May 10, 1826, Asa 

Green; d, July 23, 1838. 
VI. * John, b. Apr. 26, 1806. 

VII. Sabra, b. July 8, 1808; md., Feb. 6, 1827. John 

T. Quincy; (2) Mar. 15, 1846, Gideon 'I'irrell ; 

d. Jan. 2. 1854. 

VIII. Betsey, b. Feb. 13, 181 1; md., Dec. 28, 1834, 

Almery T. Hamlin. 

IX. Abigail, b. Jan. 29, 1814; md.. May 24, 1S37, 

Caleb Jones; d. June 11, 1838. 
X. Mary, b. Mar. 11, 1816; md., Feb. 19, 1839, 
Caleb Jones. 



John Butterfield resides on the west side of the river, 
and is by trade a stone-mason and farmer. In religious 
faith he is a Universalist. He md., July 19, 1835, Judith 
Whittier, who was b. Aug. 3, 1809, and d. Sept. 23, 1865. 
He md. (2), Sept. 23, 1874, Mrs. Martha H. Quimby. 
Four children : — 



I. 

n. 



III. 

IV. 



''Hiram Coville, b. Sept. 18, 1836. 
Marshall Osgood, b. Sept. 24, 1842 ; d. July 28, 

1S47. 
John Morrill, b. Nov. 23, 1845 ; d. July. 27, 1847. 
Luther Voldamus, b. Oct. 29, 1849; md. Lottie 

Decker; d. Apr. 21, 1879. i child: 

I. Florentine Judith, b. Sept. 28, 1876. 



Hiram Coville Butterfield resides in Farmingion, 
and is a carpenter by trade. He md., Sept. 15, 1861, 
Mary H. Dobbins, who was b. in Norridgewock, Nov. 13, 
1839, and was the dau. of John and I'hebe (Lambert) 
Dobbins. Three children: — 



420 HJSTORV OF FARMlNCTON. 

I. Minnie Erjuina May, b. Apr. 21, 1863; md., Jan. 
I, 1883, David A. Chandler. 

19 I II. Walter Mendall, b. Mar. 5, 1867. 

20 I III. Charles Otis, b. Sept. 17, 1870. 

di £111 diet* 

The Chandlers in America trace their ancestry to William and Annis 
Chandler, who came from England in 1637, and settled in Roxbury, 
Mass. He is spoken of by the records of that time as a man of eminent 
piety, but in delicate health. He lived but four years after his arrival in 
this country. Four children accompanied the parents. The oldest, a 
daughter, Hannah, married George Abbot of Andover, and is the 
ancestress of the Andover family of Abbots, and therefore of the Jacob 
Abbot family of Farmington. The second son, Thomas, born in England 
about 1630, is the ancestor of the Moses Chandler family. The third 
son, William, is the ancestor of that branch of Chandlers to which 
belongs David H. Chandler, late Clerk of Courts for Franklin County. 
Thomas Chandler was one of the proprietors and early settlers of 
Andover, Mass., and was representative to General Court. He married 
Hannah Brewer of Andover, by whom he had eight children. His death 
occurred in 1703. The fourth child of Thomas and Hannah was Will- 
iam, born May 28, 1659. He married, April 21, 1687, Elinor Phelps of 
Andover, and was the father of four children. William Chandler, their 
second son, was born July 20, 1689, and was a clothier at Andover. He 
married Susanna Burge of Westford, and died July 27, 1756. Moses 
was the third of the fourteen children of William and Susanna Chandler, 
and was born May 19, 1720. He was twice married: June 28, 1742, to 
Dorothy Marble of Andover, who died in 1760; (2) Mar. 19, 1762, to 
Elizabeth Kendall or Kimball of Leicester. Moses Chandler was a 
soldier in the French and Indian war, and removed with his family to 
Winthrop, where he followed the trade of a blacksmith. He died in 
Wilton, Mar. 16, 1820. 

Col. Moses Chandler was the ninth of the eleven 
children of Moses Chandler noticed above, and was b. 
Aug. 27, 1757. His early life was spent in Dunstable, 
and he formed one of that patriotic company who were 
among the first to offer their services for the defense of 
their country's liberties. Although but seventeen years 
old at the time the battle of Bunker Hill was fought, he 
resolved to take a part among his older companions. His 
own firelock was out of order, and sending his brother-in- 
law, Samuel Butterfield, to get it repaired, he took Butter- 
field's musket and hastened to the field, arriving in time 
for the action. He was one of the eighty men who, under 
the command of Ethan Allen, stormed and captured Ti- 
conderoga, May 10, 1775. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



421 



I. 
II. 



Mr. Chandler removed with his father to Winthrop, and 
there married Sarah Berry. He settled in F'armington in 
1785, 'upon lot No. 6 on the west side of the river. This 
farm he soon sold, and made his permanent home on the 
next lot above, v The love of military life did not desert 
'him upon his adopting the more peaceful pursuits of agri- 
culture. He was chosen captain of the South Company of 
militia, and was the second colonel who commanded the 
first regiment forined on Sandy River, succeeding in office 
Col. Ezekiel Porter. In 1806 he represented the town in 
the General Court at Boston. He d. Apr. 27, 1828. His 
wife survived him until Jan. 24, 185 1, when she d., aged 
87 years. Ten children : — 

Henry, b. in Winthrop, Dec. 2, 1784; d. young. 
Hmtnah, b. Apr. 4, 1786; md., Dec. 28, 1814, 

George Wheeler of Chesterville ; d. Apr. 12, 

1870. 7 chil. : 

1. Albert Gallatin Wheeler, b. Oct. 28, 
1816; md., May 18, 1841, Fanny O, 
Rackliff of Industry. He was a me- 
chanic ot rare skill, and a man much 
respected for his real worth. For 
many years he was a deacon of the 
Baptist Church. He d. Aug. 18, 
1883 ; she d. Mar. 6, 1885. 2 chil. 

2. Olive Chandler Wheeler, b. Mar. 16, 
1819. 

3. Sarah Berry Wheeler, b. Nov. 17, 1S20; 
md. Stephen J. S. McClure ; lives at 
Sacramento, Cal. 2 chil. 

4. Hannah Wheeler, b. Sept. 21, 1823; 
md., Nov. 19, 1867 (pub.), Simon P. 
Whittier. 

5. George Oliver Wheeler, b. June 8, 1826, 
Lives at Grizzly Flat, Cal. 

6. Moses Chandler Wheeler, b. Nov. 22, 
1829. Lives at Grizzly Flat, Cal. 

7. Andrew Jackson Wheeler, b. July 22, 
1832; md., June 19, 1858, Julia S. 
Luce, and lives in Farmington. 2 
chil, 

Levi. b. Jan. 22, 1788; d. in Robbinston. 
Ne/ietnia/i, b. May 18, 1790; md.. Mar. 3, 18 14, 

Jerusha, dau. of Abner Ramsdell, q. v. ; d. 

Apr. 2, 1833. Chil. 
Sarah, b. July 10, 1792 ; md., Dec. 28, 1815, John 

Dodge, who d. Aug. 7, 1872. Resided at 

Quincy, 111.; d. Nov. 6, 1872. 9 chil. 



III. 

IV. 



54 



422 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



i4 
15 



16 

18 



19 



23 
24 

25 



VI. 
VII. 



VIII. 
IX. 
X. 



Levina, b. Apr. 17, 1794; d. Nov. 14, 1804. 

Moses, b. Nov. 23, 1796. Resided upon the 
homestead farm during his active life. Repre- 
sented the town in the legislature in 1842, and 
was selectman in 1844-45. Unmd. 

2('''^''' !^ b. Mc. .r ..... J d. Feb. 13, 1816. 



Ma)' 



Olive, i" '^- ^""^' i5> 1799; -^ d. young.^ 
Thomas Jc_ffer son, b. Apr. 4, 180:;; d. Feb. 15, 
1830 ; unmd. 



Samuel Chandler, eldest son and fourth child of 
Moses and Dorothy (Marble) Chandler, was b., probably, 
at Westford, Mass., Aug. 16, 1745. He first lived in 
Deering, N. H., but removed to Readfield about 1778. 
and to Farmington before 1791. He settled upon the 
south portion of back-lot No. 7, west side, thence after a 
few years removing to Wilton. The town records show 
six children by his wife, Rebecca Walton : — 

I. Samuel, b. in Deering, N. H., Feb. 18, 1777 ; md., 
Jan. 21, 1804, Beulah Pease; md. (2) Jan. 24, 
1844, Lydia Fuller of Winthrop. 
II. Moses, b. in Readfield, Nov. 6, 1778; md. Mary 
Wheeler; md. (2) 1814, Lydia Nudd. 

III. Jacob, b. in Readfield, Mar. 19, 1781 ; md. Fanny 

Walton of Jay. 

IV. Phxbe, b. in Readfield, Mar. 12, 1783; md. Ed- 

ward Wheeler. 
V. Rebecca, b. Apr. 26, 1791 ; md., 1809, William 

Walker. 
VI. Sally, b. Feb. 8, 1793 ; md. Nathaniel Walker. 



Samuel Child emigrated to New England not later than 1624, since 
his son Richard was born in that year in this country. This family can 
therefore lay claim to earlier settlement in this country than any Farm- 
ington family noticed save those of Pilgrim descent. Richard Child was 
married Oct. 15, 1649, to Mary Lennett of Barnstable, and their son 
Richard was born Mar., 1653. Richard, Jr., was a respected citizen and 
deacon in the Congregational Church. He married about 1678 Elizabeth 
Crocker, by whom he had eleven children, and died Jan. 15, 1 716. His 
eldest son, .Samuel, was born in Barnstable, Nov. 6, 1679; married, July 
7, 1709, Hannah Barnard. Samuel Child removed to Deertield, Mass., 
where he was an influential citizen and Congregational deacon, and died 
Mar. 18, 1756. Jonathan, the iifth of the eight children of Samuel 
Child, was born in Deertield, Mar. 23, 171 8, and married about 1739 
Rebecca Scott, who died at the great age of 102 years. He removed to 
Hardwick, and appears to have changed the name from Child to Childs. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



423 



Tlie third of his twelve children, Ebenezer, was born Jan. 25, 1744; 
married, Nov. 15, 1769, Abigail Willis, and died Mar. 7, 1809. He was 
the father of Ebenezer Childs, who settled in Farmington. 

Ebenezer Childs {vide page 298), above-named, was 
b. in Hardwick, Mass., July 2, 1787. Upon the breaking 
out of the war with Great Britain in 181 2, he entered the 
military service as captain in the 9th Reg. U. S. Infantry, 
and was assigned for duty in the " Army of the Center," 
and to operate upon the Niagara frontier. He participated 
in many of the sanguinary battles on that frontier, being 
severely wounded in ti)e side at the battle of Fort Erie, 
Canada, and received an honorable discharge in 18 14. 
He was early enrolled as an invalid pensioner, and at the 
time of his death, Sept. i, 1874, was the oldest pensioner 
upon the rolls of the Augusta agency. Capt. Childs 
removed to Farmington about 1815, and embarked in 
trade. He was considered one of the leading merchants 
in town for many years. He was a prominent pillar in 
the Baptist communion, and aided largely by his influence 
and pecuniary means in erecting the expensive brick 
edifice in the Center Village known as the Baptist Church. 
He was prominent in the early agitation of the anti-slavery 
movement, possessing the courage of his convictions. He 
was a man of ability- — in character above reproach. His 
first wife, whose name was Hannah Lowell (a grand- 
daughter of Reuben Lowell, q. v.), d. July 16, 1834, aged 
44 years. He md. (2) Pede Johnson, b. Oct. 21, 1798 ; d. 
Jan. 30, 1854. He md. (3), Feb. 25, 1855, Mary Bullen, 
who d. Feb. 14, 1876, aged 83 years. Two children by 
second marriage : — 

I. Calvin Newton, b. Jan. 15, 1838; is a successful 
business man at Milwaukee, Wis. ; md., Dec. 
16, 1862, Ella V. Blanchard of that city; s. p. 
II. * James Upham, b. Oct. 17, 1840. 

James U. Childs entered the service of the United 
States by enlisting in Co. G., i6th Reg. Me. Vols., after- 
wards rising by gradation until he reached the rank of 
ist lieutenant, the date of his last commission being June 
12, 1863. Mr. Childs was in many of the battles in which 
his regiment bore an honorable part, and was taken 
prisoner at the battle of Gettysburg, July i, 1863. After 
being confined in Libby Prison nearly a year, and experi- 
encing some of its horrors and sufi^erings, he was trans- 
ferred to other Southern prisons. Attempting to escape, 
he was recaptured three different times, but at last suc- 
ceeded in reaching the Union lines in safety. In the 
spring of 1S65 the 16th Regiment (of which Lieut. Childs 



424 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



was still a member) was stationed in southern Virginia 
doing active service, and was in the front ranks at 
Appomattox Court House when Gen. Robert E. Lee sur- 
rendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, thus closing the civil 
war of the United States. 

In 1865 Mr. Childs entered the clothing business in 
company with W. F. Belcher, in which he continued until 
1870, when he left the firm. He subsequently succeeded 
B. R. Elliott in the jewelry business. 

Mr. Childs md., Dec. 11, 1866, Ellen Frances, dau. of 
Anson and Drusilla (Belcher) Stanley of Winthrop. She 
was b. May 10, 1843, and d. Jan. 9, 1878. Four chil- 
dren : — 

4 I. Pede Frances, b. Oct. i, 1867. 

5 II. Jean Ingelow, b. Mar. 22, 187 1. 

6 III, Isabel Upham, b. Apr. 27, 1873 ; d. Aug. 23, 

1873- 
IV. Samuel Clifford Belcher, b. June 15, 1874; d. 
Aug. 17, 1874. 



It is a tradition in the Church family of Farmington that it is de- 
scended from Richard Church, the famous Pilgrim warrior, who was a 
relative of Col. Benjamin Church, so well known in the history of the 
French and Indian wars. Several facts tend to prove the truth of the 
tradition, but the line has not been successfully traced. The mother of 
John Church was Mary Winter, but his father's Christian name is not 
known. 



John Church, a patriot and soldier of the Revolution, 
was a native of Connecticut, whither his ancestor Richard 
Church had removed in 1636. He came from Shutesbury, 
Mass., to Fort Western — now Augusta — with his father- 
in-law. Deacon Samuel Cony, in 1778, where he remained 
nearly thirteen years, but not finding the farming lands of 
the Kennebec fully equal to his expectations, and as about 
this time " the tame of Sandy River sounded loud," he 
resolved to visit that region with a view to settlement. 
Accordingly, in the autumn of 1790, he came to the town- 
ship with Supply Belcher, and the result of their expedi- 
tion was the purchase of two lots of land side by side in 
what is now the center of the village, and the removal of 
their families the following winter. The journey to the 
new settlement was slow and difficult, and progress was 
much impeded by the great depth of snow on the ground ; 
even when their destination was finally reached, the cabins 
erected the autumn before were found to be buried in 
drifts. 



GE/VEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 425 

About this time a rivalry for supremacy sprang up 
between the east and west sides of Sandy River. The 
latter had the start, as mills had been erected, a post-office 
established, and various mechanical industries put in 
operation. Moses Starling owned the land on the west 
side most desirable for store and house lots, but held it at 
fabulous prices ; while John Church on the east side 
offered lots at low figures, and the result was : Mr. Church 
sold his land ; Mr. Starling kept his ; and thus business 
was transferred from the west to the east side of the river. 
Mr. Church, as one of the founders of the Center Village, 
did much to promote its growth and prosperity. In 1802 
he conveyed to " David Moore, treasurer of the first 
Meeting House Society in the center of Farmington, and 
his successor in said office, for the use of said society so 
long as it shall be improved for public use " two acres of 
land situated in the heart of the village, and now consti- 
tuting the court-house site and common. Upon the orga- 
nization of Franklin County in 1838, it was proposed to 
change the upper part of the old meeting-house into a 
court-house, and some question arose as to the construc- 
tion of the restriction in Mr. Church's first deed. There- 
upon application was made to Mr. Church to remove the 
restriction. He at once consented, and with a hand 
palsied by age signed a release of the property for a con- 
sideration of two hundred dollars. The second deed 
made a condition, however, that the property " be always 
used for some public building, court-house, town-house, or 
meeting-house." 

In 1793 Mr. Church erected upon his lot — No. 25, east 
side, — the first house (known as the old Church house) on 
the elevation where the village is situated, and opened it 
as the first hotel on the east side of the river. He was by 
trade a blacksmith, and a man of industrious habits, Mr, 
Church md., in Shutesbury, Mass., May 18, 1778, Susanna, 
dau. of Samuel and Rebecca (Guild) Cony, and grand- 
daughter of Nathanael and Abigail (Ager) Cony of Boston. 
He d. Mar. 12, 1838, aged 85 years. His wife was b. Oct. 
II, 1755 ; d. May 6, 1844. Seven children : — 

I. Sophia, b. July 5, 1781; md., Apr. 13, 1800, 

Henry Stewart, q. v.; d. Feb. 12, 1822. 
II. * John, b. Sept. 14, 1783. 

III. Delight, b. Aug. 11, 1785; md., June 27, 1802, 

Jason D. Cony, q. v. ; md. (2), Aug. 20, 18 12, 
Daniel Stewart, q. v. ; d. Oct. 23, 1834. 

IV. *' David, b. July 17, 1787. 

V. Susanna, b. July 22, 1789; md., Feb. 22, 1807, 
Dr. Andrew Croswell of Mercer, who graduated 
from Harvard College in 1799, and was a 



426 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



7 
8 

(3) 



10 
(5) 



13 

14 
15 

(7) 



16 



Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Som- 
erset County. He d. June 4, 1858. She d. 
July 6, 186 1, 6 chil. Their dau. Susan, b. 
Dec. 3, 1810, md., Dec. 26, 1831, Lieut. Henry 
Knox Thatcher of the U. S. Navy, a grandson 
of Gen. Knox. He distinguished himself in 
the late Rebellion, and became an Admiral. 
His death occurred in Boston, Apr. 5, 1880. 

VI. * Samuel, b. May g, 1791. 

VII. * Daniel Cony, b. Feb. 27, 1795. 



John Church, Jr., was a native of Augusta, came with 
his father to the township when a lad, and succeeded to 
the homestead. He was a blacksmith by trade, an indus- 
trious, hard-working man, respected in all the relations of 
life. He served the town as selectman in 1827-28. He 
md., Apr. 14, 18 11, Lucy Soule of Halifax, Mass., where 
she was b., Jan. 13, 1791 ; d. Apr. 29, 1844; he md. (2), 
Dec, 1845, Mrs. Elizabeth Barton. He d. Apr. 7, 1859. 
Two children : — 

I. Susan Cony, b. Jan. 7, 1813 ; md., Oct. 9, 1836, 
William Weston of Anson; d. Apr. 9, 1842. 
He was b. Mar. 10, 18 10, and d. in Milwaukee, 
Wis., Nov. 5, 1882 ; s. p. 
II. David, b. Mar. 15, 1815 ; d. Apr, 10, 1816. 



David Church, brother of the preceding, when a young 
man was a clerk for Howard and Crosby, and afterwards 
for Samuel Howard, at Augusta, where he remained some 
years. He subsequently removed to Salem and engaged 
in farming, and thence removed to Farmington, where he 
d., Aug. 4, 1848. He md. Hannah Blake of Phillips, who 
d. Aug. 4, 1861, aged 54 years. Five children : — 

I. Ellen Blake, b. Sept. 13, 1824; md., Dec. 30, 
1859, William S. Gilbert of Kingfield ; d. June 
16, 1877. 1 dau. 
II. David, b. May i, 1832 ; md., Jan, i, 1862, Mae 

A. Wade. 2 chil. 
HI. Samuel Blake, b. Apr. 16, 1834; md., Nov. 27, 

1862, Flora S. Wade; s. p. 
IV. John Wesley, b. July 21, 1836. 
V. Caleb Blake, b. 1838; d. Aug. 28, 1859. 



Samuel Church settled in Salem in the early history 
of that town, and engaged in farming. He md., June 29, 
1817, Betsey Brown, and d. in Salem, Mar. 27, 1829. His 
wife removed to Farmington, and d. Nov. 14, 1879, aged 
82 years. Five children : — 

I, Mary Butler, b. May 20, 1818; d, Aug. i, 1818. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



427 



II. Elizabeth Brown, b. Nov. 21, 18 ig; d. June 26, 
1836. 

III. Sophia Stewart, b. A]Dr. 14, 1822 ; md., Jan. 4, 

1843, Daniel^ Clark ; d. Aug. 12, 1873. 4 chil. 

IV. Edward Butler, b. Feb. 27, 1825; d. Jan. 3, 

1846. 
V. Samuel Cony, b. Aug. 12, 1828; d. Mar. 24, 1829. 

Daniel Cony Church was a farmer and mechanic, and 
resided for some time in Salem, but the later years of his 
life were spent in Farmington. He was a man of great 
kindliness of heart, and always ready to minister to the 
wants of the needy. He md,, in 1822, Elizabeth Howard, 
dau. of Hugh Stewart, q. ?'., and d. Mar. 11, 1856, his wife 
surviving him until Feb. 29, 1884. Nine children : — 

I. * Jacob Cony, b. Mar. 28, 1823. 
II. Henry Stewart, b. Dec. 25, 1825 ; d. Apr. 17, 

1837. 

Darnel Cony, b. Oct. 17, 1827 ; md., Jan., 1853, 
Emma R. Hewins, who d. Apr. 6, 1854; md. 
(2), July II, 1857, Helen Louise Fuller. 5 
chil. by second marriage. Resides in Ports- 
mouth, N. H. 

Mary Stewart, b. Oct. 17, 1829; md., Nov. 23, 
1848, John F. Sprague. Resides in Mauston, 
Wis. 2 chil. 

Bell Stewart, b. May 7, 1831 ; md., Jan. 16, 1862, 
Rev. B. F. Lawrence. Resides in Meriden, 
N. H. ; s.p. 

Samuel, b. July 15, 1833 ; d. May 22, 1842. 

Elizabeth Vesta, b. Dec. 9, 1835 ; md., Dec. 15, 
1873, Benjamin R. Elliott. Resides in George- 
town, Col. 

Henry Ste^vart, b. Mar., 1837 ; d. Oct. 6, 1839. 

Hannibal Hamlin, b. July 15, 1840; md., Nov. 6, 
1866, Hannah O. Weare of York. Is Superin- 
tendent of the Lawrence Gas-Light Company. 
4 chil. 



III. 



IV. 



VI. 
VII. 



VIII. 
IX. 



Jacob Cony Church, eldest son of Daniel C. Church, 
has always resided in Farmington, and is engaged in the 
transportation business. He md., May 19, 1846, Rachel 
V. Smith of New Bedford, who d. Jan, 19, 1859; md. (2), 
Apr. 21, 1859, Lura E. Prescott of New Sharon, b. Mar. 
18, 1839. Six children : — 

I. Mary Elizabeth, b. Feb., 1847; d. Apr. 28, 1850, 
II. Margaret Pa^nela, b. Mar. 12, 1849. 
III. Helen Maria, b. June 16, 185 1 ; d. July 8, 1867. 



428 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



33 
34 



IV. Henrietta CrosweH, b. Dec. 24, 1853. 
V. Bell Kachel, b. May 22, 1857. 

Second marriasfe : 



35 VI. Emma Gertrude, b. Apr. 10, 1862 ; md., Jan. 7, 

1883, Manford C. Dolloff. 

CfDlngton* 

About the middle of the eighteenth century John Clayton is found a 
resident of Manchester, England. Among his children were three sons, 
Jacob, John, and Bartholomew. All that is known of this family is 
mentioned below. 

John Clayton was born in Manchester, England. Jan. 
16, 1758, where enlisting as a soldier in the English army 
commanded by Lieut.-General John Burgoyne, he followed 
the fortunes of that ill-fated general to Canada early in 
1777. He was in the battle of Ticonderoga, July 6, 1777, 
at Stillwater, Sept. 19, at Ereeman's Earm, Oct. 7, and at 
the battle so disastrous to the English army at Saratoga, 
Oct. 17, 1777. He witnessed the surrender of General 
Burgoyne to the victors under Gates and Arnold, and re- 
ceived his discharge from the English army in the autumn 
of 1783, as the following copy will show : 

"By Lieut.-Colonel Oliver DeLancy, commanding His 
Majesty's 17th Regiment of Dragoons, whereof Lieut.- 
General Thomas Gage is Colonel, 

"These are to certify that the bearer hereof, John Clay- 
ton, has served in the above said Regiment for the space of 
nine years, .... is for the reason below mentioned, 
discharged from the said Regiment, he having received 
his pay, arrears of pay, clothing of all sorts, and all other 
just demands from the time of his enlisting into the said 
Regiment to this day of his discharge, and he is discharged 
at his own request to go to Nova Scotia, and to prevent 
any ill-use that may be made of this discharge by its falling 
into the hands of any other person whatsoever, here fol- 
lows a description of the above said John Clayton : He is 
about twenty-five years of age, five feet nine inches high 
without shoes, brown complexion, born in England, by 
trade a butcher. 

"Given under my hand and the Regimental seal at 
New York, this 24th day of September, 1783. 

(Signed) OLIVER DeLANCY, Lieut.-Colonel." 

The above discharge bears the following indorsement : 

"To all whom it may concern: John Clayton, private 
Dragoon. 1 do acknowledge to have received my pay, my 
arrears of pay, clothing of all sorts, and all other just de- 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 429 

niands from the time of my enlistment in the within men- 
tioned Regiment to this day of my discharge. 

"Witness my hand at New York, this 24th day of Sep- 
tember, 1783." His 

(Signed) JOHN X CLAYTON. 

mark. 

"Witness, Jos. Gardner, Q. M. 17th Regiment Dra- 
goons." 

Mr. Clayton first came to that part of Hallowell now 
Augusta, and married a Miss Cowan, who soon died, to- 
gether with her infant child. He came to the township, 
probably, in 1784, took possession of proprietor's lot No, 
II, east side, and planted twelve hills of potatoes on the 
ground occupied by the camp of Foster and Allen, the 
hunters of the winter of 1779-80. Mr. Clayton came to 
the township to reside permanently in 1787, where he soon 
after married Sally, daughter of John Austin (usually pro- 
nounced Asten), who became the mother of ten children. 
Mr. Clayton was peculiar in this : he was proud of his na- 
tionality, and no Roman ever felt a greater pride in being 
called a Roman citizen than did he in being called an 
Englishman, and no greater indignity could be offered him 
than to say anything in his presence in disparagement of 
his model man, John Burgoyne. Mr. Clayton was quite a 
poet in his way. On one occasion his children, except the 
two oldest daughters, who had charge of the ^ick, being- 
ill, he perpetrated the following (the author not being re- 
sponsible for the measure or sentiment) : 

" As my two daughters did combine, 
To nurse the army of old Burgoyne ; 
Their nursing was good but not very lasting, 

For they were granddaughters of old granny Asten." 

He d. Sept. 10, 1832, aged 74 years. She d. Feb. 15, 
aged 56 years. Ten children : — 

I. Jacob, b. Aug. 29, 1788; md., Feb. 26, 1S12 (pub.) 
Hannah, dau. of Kliab and Lucretia (Flint) 
Eaton; settled in Strong; d. Oct. 8, 1874. 
She d, Oct. 23, 1862, aged 71 years. 
IT. Anna, b, Oct. 22, 1791 ; md., Apr. 23, 1809, Wil- 
liam Brackley ; d. May 8, 1870. 

III. Susan, b. Sept. 27, 1793 ; md., Nov. 25, 1823, 

William Kannady; d. in Avon. 

IV. John, b. Nov. 11, 1795 ; md., Aug. 6, 1820, Lucy 

Pratt; d. Dec. 2, 1876. She d. June 9, 1853, 
aged 52 years. 6 chil. 
V. Sarah, b. Feb. 3, 1797; md., in 1822, Henry H. 
Foster of Freeman; d. July i, 1878. He d. 
July 21, 1878, aged 80 years. 8 chil, 
VI. Abigail, b. July 10, 1799; d. Sept. 8, 1802. 
VII. Bartholo7nc7v, b. Sept. 8, i8oi ; md., Apr. 12, 

55 



430 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



VIII. 



IX. 



X. 



1829, Mary Tarr ; d. at West Hampden, Feb. 
4, 1882 ; she was b. May 21, 1808 ; d. Jan. 4, 
1882. He was a lover of his country, having 
sent four sons to the late war. 

Betsey, b. Nov. 28, 1803 ; md., in 1828, Franklin 
Newell; d. Oct. 22, 1876; he d. Oct. 1880, 
aged 78 years. 8 chil. 

Abigail, b. May 2, 1806; md., Oct. 7, 1828, Fd- 
mund Bangs ; d. in Biddeford, Sept. 5, 1846. 

Isabel, b. Sept. 5, i8og ; md., July 10, 183 1, Rich- 
ard Bangs; d. Sept. 21, 1872. 



(Kong* 

The ancient family by the name of Cony in England is said to be of 
French extraction. The word Connin (French for rabbit) as a family 
name was first written in England as pronounced in French, — "Conn)' " 
and " Coiiy ; " — but in the lapse of years came to be written " Cone\ " 
and " Cony," as well as in some other ways. " Robert Connin " came 
into England from Bayeux in Normandy in the early part of the four- 
teenth century, in the train of Queen Isabella, wife of Edward II., she 
being a daughter of Philip IV. of France, and then just married. A 
pedigree of his descendants in the line of eldest sons is among the 
MSS. in the British Museum, and shows that the Connys of Yaxley, 
County Huntingdon, were a branch issuing from Robert Conny, a third 
son in the sixth generation from Robert of Bayeux. Robert Conny of 
Godmanchester — a town about twelve miles from Yaxley — and his wife 
Elizabeth had a son Samuel, who was christened Oct. 5, 1634; also a 
son John, who was a surgeon and twice mayor of Rochester, County 
Kent. Dr. John Conny died in 1699, leaving an only son Robert, who 
was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, and admitted Fellow of the 
Royal College of Physicians in London in 1693; he died May 25, 1723, 
aged 68 years. 

As appears from the parish records of Godmanchester, Samuel 
Conny before-mentioned and his wife Mary had eight children, among 
whom was Nathanael, christened Aug. 27, 1665. This, with other facts 
equally well authenticated, justifies a belief that the immigrant ancestor 
of the Cony family which came to the Kennebec in 1778 was the Nathan- 
ael Cony above-named, a first cousin of Dr. Robert Cony, in whose 
honor a memorial tablet was placed in St. Nicholas' Cathedral, Roclies- 
ter, where he was buried. 

The traditional coat-of-arms of "the family by the name of Cony'" is 
still preserved and cherished by the descendants of the late Daniel Cony 
of Augusta. It was evidently derived from the one shown on tlie 
" Portrait of Robert Cony, M.D.,"* painted in 1722 by Alex. \'anderha- 



* The portrait here spoken of was engraved in 1722 by John Fal)er of 
London, and a handsomely framed copy of it was greatly prized as an heirloom 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



431 



gen, and still to be seen in the lodgings of the President of Magdalen 
College, Oxford. It shows the same arms which Robert of Godman- 
cliester bore, and would seem to be traceable to "the antient coate of 
Conny " to be found in the British Museum. 

According to family tradition Nathanael Cony came to this country 
from " Cony Green "* in England. He settled in Boston before 1700, 
and during his residence there was one of the city constables. His first 
wife was Elizabeth Greenland of Boston, who died May 7, 1711, leaving 
three sons and one daughter; his second wife, whom he married Sept. 6, 
171 1, was Abigail Ager, who became the mother of nine children. He 
afterwards married, Dec. 27, 1736, Mary Royal of Boston, and died in 
Stoughton, Mass., about the year 1744. Deacon Samuel Cony, second 
son of Nathanael and Abigail (Ager) Cony, was born in Boston, April 
15, 1 718, and married, Jan. 28, 1742, Rebecca (born Sept. 26, 1721), 
daughter of Nathaniel and Mehitable (Hartshorn) Guild of Dedham, 
Mass. In 1778 he removed with his family from Shutesbury, Mass., to 
Fort Western settlement (now Augusta), where the remainder of his life 
was spent. Among his children were two sons : Lieut. Samuel Cony, 
the father of Hartson and Jason D. Cony, who came to the Sandy River 
township; and Judge Daniel Cony, a practicing physician for some 
years, and a leading citizen of Augusta for more than half a century. 
Lieut. Samuel Cony was born in Stoughton, now Sharon, May 18, 1746. 
He preceded his father to Fort Western, and became an extensive land- 
holder in the settlement. He married, .Sept., 1770, Susanna Johnson, 
born in Bridgewater, Mass., Dec. 22, 1747, He died Sept. 22, 1779, and 
his wife survived him until Aug. 5, 1830. 



Hartson Cony {vide page 261), Lieut. Cony's eldest 
son, purchased of Zaccheus Mayhew in 1792 river-lot No. 
26, east side, where the central portion of the Center 
Village is located. He was among the first in town to 
commence the sale of merchandise at retail, and was 
regarded as an active, enterprising business-man. He 
was b. in Easton, Mass., June i, 177 1; md., Dec. 26, 
1793, Martha, dau. of Ebenezer Norton, q. v., who d. Nov. 
5, 1850. He d. in Canada, Nov. 9, 1803. Three chil- 
dren : — 

I. Martha, b. Nov. 9, 1794; md., in 1820, William 
Lockhart; d. July 24, i860. He d. July 5, 
1870. 2 chil. : 

I. Susan Lockhart, b. Jan. 2, 1821; md., 



by the late Judge Daniel Cony, who had it from his father, Dea. Samuel Cony; 
to whom it came from his father, Nathanael, who was living in Boston, Mass., 
L in 1720, and in the vicinity of Boston for twenty-four years longer. 

* An English Gazetteer, edition of 1810, locates Cony Green in Eddisburg 
hundred, six and one-half miles west from Middlewich, County Cheshire. 



432 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Apr. 6, 184S, Richard Sylvester, son 
ot Richard and Hannah (Bates) Rice. 
He d. Nov. 20, 1865. 4 chil. 
2. Hartson Cony Lockhart, b. Mar. 17, 
1823 ; md., Nov. 10, 1850, Lucy Bil- 
Hngs of Colchester, Conn., who d. 
Oct. 18, 1878. 4 chil. Md. (2), June 
21, 1881, Mrs. Hannah P. McKinney. 
II. *Daniei Johnson, b. July 25, 1796. 
III. Hartson Willis, b. Apr. 16, 1798; md., Apr. 16, 
1822, Martha, dau. of Elijah Norton, q. v. ; d. 
at sea, Sept. 29, 1826. She d. Oct, 13, 1867. 
3 chil., all d. 



Jason Dexter Cony, when a young man of twenty, 
came to the fertile region of the Sandy River. Although 
born in Easton, Mass., — Nov. 8, 1772, — his childhood 
was spent in Augusta. Left fatherless at an early age, his 
education and training devolved upon his mother, who is 
seid to have been " a lady of amiable temper and excellent 
mind." He purchased for a farm river-lot No. 15, east 
side — at present owned by Benjamin Stanley, — and in 
1794 built the first gristmills in the upper part of the town. 
They were situated on that part of the Fairbanks mill- 
stream formerly occupied by Luther Townsend's tannery. 
After the death of his wife Mr. Cony returned to Augusta, 
and subsequently went to New Orleans, where he entered 
business with promise of great success, but was suddenly 
stricken down by yellow fever — that scourge of the cli- 
mate, and d. Sept. 30, 1810. He md., Aug. i, 1793, 
Velina, dau. of Ebenezer and Jean (Marchant) Smith of 
Edgartown, Mass. She was b. Dec. 23, 1772 ; d. Mar. 24, 
1799. Mr. Cony md. (2), June 27, 1802, Delight, dau. of 
John Church, q. v. Six children : — 

I. Evelina, b. June 17, 1794; md. Hiram Belcher, 

q. V. ; d. Feb. 20, 1883. 
II. Samuel, b. May 11, 1796; entered the naval ser- 
vice of the United States as a sailor in the 
war of 1812. He was on board the American 
Enterprise when she encountered the British 
brig ^t'.ar^r (Sept. 5, 1813), and took an active 
part in the battle which resulted in the capture 
of the Boxer. He was confined in the famous 
Dartmoor Prison for twelve months, and was 
afterwards pensioned for injuries received in 
the service. After the close of the war he 
resided in Augusta. While on a visit to the 
seashore for his health, he died suddenl)^, Aug. 
24, 1852, and was buried on Rutherford Island. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



433 



Thus a cherished wish — that he might die and 
be buried near the scene of the engagement 
between the Enterprise and Boxer which he 
Hked so often to relate — was fulfilled. He 
md., Apr. 6, 1828, Sabra, dau. of John and 
Ruth (Oakes) Long, who d. Mar. 23, 1845. 
9 chil. 
Susa7i Johnson, b. Jan. 12, 1799; d. in Augusta, 
Sept. 23, 1816. 

Second Marriage : 

IV. Jason Hartwell, b. Feb. 14, 1806 ; d. at New 

Orleans, La., in 1830. 
V. "^John Randolph, b. Mar. 28, 1808. 
VI. Jason Dexter, b. Mar. 31, 1810 ; d. Aug., 1834; 
unmd. 



III. 



Daniel J. Cony spent a part of his youth in Augusta, 
and a part upon his father's farm in Strong. After his 
marriage he settled in Farmington. He was employed as 
a school-teacher for several years, and was better fitted for 
literary pursuits than mercantile life. He was an assidu- 
ous reader, and accustomed to spend much time among 
his books. He md., June 23, 1822, Elizabeth, dau. of 
David and Elizabeth (Tarbell) Moore. She was b. Dec. 
10, 1796; d. Mar. 7, 1848. He d. Nov. 26, 1873. Four 
children : — 

David Moore, b. Dec. 18, 1824; d. Mar. 10, 1845. 
Daniel Augustus, b. May 8, 1830 ; d. Sept. 22, 

i860; unmd. 
Elizabeth Moore, b. July 29, 1834 ; d. Sept. 8, 

1882 ; unmd. 
Henry Chamberlain, b. Jan. 27, 1837 ; md., Sept. 

21, 1867, Sibyl E. Kitchen of Vassalboro'. 

Resides in Auburn. Their surviving children 

are Charles, Isabel, and Willie. 



I. 

II. 



III. 



IV. 



John Randolph Cony was born in Augusta and when 
very young came to Farmington with his mother who after- 
wards married Daniel Stewart. About 1832 Mr. Cony 
erected a dwelling-house at Backus Corner, which he occu- 
pied during his residence in town. His death occured in 
Oldtown, Sept. 11, 1836, whither he had removed a short 
time before with his family. He was a man of broad in- 
telligence, courteous in manner and of gentlemanly bearing. 
He md., Oct. 13, 1833, Mary Margaret, dau. of Joseph and 
Hannah (Shaw) Sewall. She md. (2), Nov. 1859, Rev. 
Pindar Field, and resides in Hamilton, N. Y. Two chil- 
dren : — 



434 



HISTORY OF FARMINCTON. 



19 



George Randolph^ b. Aug. 30, 1834; held the office 
of postmaster at Oldtown for several years. 
In 1863 he enlisted in the 7th Reg. Me. Vols., 
and proved himself a brave soldier. He was 
subsequently appointed ist Lieutenant Co. A., 
1st Veteran Infantry. After the close of the 
war he settled in Central Valley, N. Y. He 
md. Marquaretta Christie of Mahvvah, N. J., 
where he d. Nov. 16, 1879. i dau. 

Mary, b. July 27, 1836; d. Aug. 8, 1848, 



The ancestry of the family of Peter Corbett, one of the early settlers 
of the township, can be traced to Robert Corbett, a resident of Wey- 
mouth, Mass., "who fought bravely in King Philip's war." He married, 
Feb. 23, 1682, Priscilla Rockwood, and probably had a family of three 
sons, Dr. John, Elder Daniel, and Joseph Corbett, and perhaps daugh- 
ters. Elder Daniel Corbett married, Dec. 4, 171 7, Sarah Jones, and they 
were the parents of nine children, one of whom, Dea. Daniel Corbett, 
born July 8, 1720, was a prominent citizen of Milford, Mass., where his 
son Peter was born, Aug. 23, 1748. He died in 1761, and his wife 
Mary, Nov. 7, 1809. 



(2) 



Peter Corbett, with his wife and three little boys, 
came to Winthrop in 1781. They remained there while 
he came to the township to make arrangements lor their 
removal. Mr. Corbett was one of the " Colburn Associ- 
ates," and drew river-lot No. 40, east side, which includes 
the farm of William H. Pearson and a part of Reuben 
Winslow's farm. His family, who came to the township 
in January, 1782, was one of the first eight families to 
spend a winter here. In the autumn of 1786 he built the 
first framed house in the township, and manufactured the 
bricks for the chimney on his farm, said to be the first 
made in the settlement. Mr. Corbett was highly respected 
by his townsmen, and upon the incorporation of the town 
in 1794 was elected chairman of the board of selectmen, a 
position he held for seven consecutive years. He md. 
Keziah Dewey, and d. probably in 1S16. Three children, 
born in Milford, Mass. : — 

I. *Rufus, b. Dec. 13, 1773. 
II. * John, b. July 4, 1776. 

HI. Otis, b. Oct, 5, 1778; md., June 16, 1803, Han- 
nah, dau. of Thomas Hiscock, q. v. ; d. Apr. 
16, i860. Spent most of his life in Strong. 



RuFUs Corbett first settled in Industry, but afterwards 
removed to the homestead. This farm embraced two 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 435 

river-lots, to which he added by purchase from the "gore " 
adjoining, making one of the largest and most valuable 
farms in town. During his lifetime Mr. Corbett divided it 
among his four sons, three of whom made permanent 
homes upon their respective shares. Mr. Corbett pos- 
sessed an amiable disposition, sound integrity, and at- 
tained a reputable standing' among his townsmen. He 
md., Sept. 5, 1802, Olive Willard ; d. Dec. 12, 1850. She 
was b. Sept. 21, 1776, at Lancaster, Mass.; d. Dec. 8, 
1854. Five children : — 

1. William, b. Aug. 18, 1803 ; md.. Mar. 9, 1843, 
Hannah, dau. of James Butterfield, q. v., who 
d. Oct. 3, 1850; he md. (2), Nov., 185 1, Mrs. 
^ Joanna N. Oilman, who d. Jan. 2, 1852, aged 

36 years; he md. (3), Oct. 28, 1852, Mrs. 
Betsey Woods. He d. May 2, 1854. 2 chil. 
IT. *Amasa, b. Dec. 10, 1805. 

III. Betsey, b. May 27, 1807; md., Sept., 1834, Benja- 

min Richardson of New Sharon ; d. Oct., 1869. 
3 chil. 

IV. Rufus, b. Feb. 26, 1811 ; md., Nov., 1844, Mary 

Ann Currier. 3 chil. Resides in Wilmington, 
111. 
v. * Peter, b. Jan. 2, 18 13. 



John Corbett made his advent into the world upon 
the same day that the representatives of the thirteen 
American colonies, assembled at Philadelphia, declared 
their independence from the mother-country, and pro- 
claimed "that these United Colonies are and of right ought 
to be free and independent States." Mr. Corbett came to 
the township as a member of his father's family, and made 
the town of Farmington his home during life. He selected 
back-lot No. 32, east side, which he cleared, brought under 
cultivation, and made productive. He md., July, 1799, 
Lucy Proctor, b. Aug. 29, 1780, dau. of Peter Proctor, who 
was b. Jan. 7, 1738, and of Molly Proctor, who was b Nov. 
29, 1750, residents of Chelmsford, Mass. He d. Jan. 8, 
1846. She d. Aug. 35, 1863. Twelve children :— 

1. Hannah, b. Oct. 29, 1800; md., Feb. 15. 1819, 

Abner Ramsdell, q. v.; d. Nov. 6, 1881. 
II. Peter, b. June 2, 1802 ; d. Oct. 5, 1812. 
Cyrus, b. Apr. 26, 1804; d. Jan. 25, 1807. 
Elmira, b. Mar. 2, 1806; md., K\iX. \, 1830, 
William Case; d. July 16, 1883. He d. at 
Andover, N. B., Aug. 26, 1855. 
* John, b. Aug. 27, 1808. 



III. 

IV. 



436 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



15 



17 



19 



22 
23 



(6) 



24 



VI. Frederic^ b. Sept. 10, 1810; nid., June 7, 1840, 

Betsey Parker; d. at Quenemo, Kan., Oct. 20, 

1872. 
VII. Lucy, b. Oct. 12, 1812; nid., Feb. 29, 1832, 

Warren Voter, q. v.\ md. (2), Jan. 22, 1884, 

James F. Pease. 

VIII. *Peter, b. Mar. 2, 1815. 

IX. Martha, ) ■, o ^ 00 

,^ ' - b. Sept. 12, 1818. 

X. Mary, ) ^ ' 

Martha md., Oct. 10, 1844, George McClure, 
who d. in 1848; md. (2), Nov. 27, 1851, 
Thomas Bickford of Bangor; d. Nov. 22, 
1859. 

Mary md., Jan. 27, 1848, David McCleery of 
Strong, who d. in California, May ig, 1881. 
2 chil. : 

1. Andrew Llewellyn McCleery, b. Apr. 

II, 1852; md., June 25, 1873, Annie 
E. Lewis of New Vineyard, i child. 
Resides in East Somerville, Mass. 

2. Charles Laforest McCleery, b. July 23, 

1854; md., Nov. 19, 1881, Charlotte 
Lyde, b. in Freeport, Nov, 22, 1853. 
I child. Resides in Portland, and 
has charge of the Bosto?i Journars 
interests in Maine. 



XT. 
XII. 



Abel, 



} 



b. Aug. 30, 182 1. 



Re- 



Isaac Proctor, \ 

Abel md., July, 1849, Lydia Tracy, 

sides in Boyne City, Mich. 3 chil. 
Isaac md., Jan., 1853, Charity B, Goodwin 
of Avon. She d. Feb. i, 1853, aged 24 
years. He enlisted in Co. B, 28th Reg. 
Me, Vols., and d. at Memphis, Tenn., 
Aug. 13, 1863. 



Major Amasa Corbett erected buildings on the north 
portion of the homestead, where he resided during his life- 
lime ; he was a man of good common sense, charitable 
toward all in sentiment and practice, yet firm in his con- 
victions, and a strenuous defender of what he regarded as 
the right. His practice as a land surveyor was quite ex- 
tensive, and he served the town as selectman in 1842-43-44 
and as treasurer in 1840-41, 1866-67-69-70-71-72. He 
md., Oct. 25, 1835, Angeline, dau. of Daniel Beale, q. v.; 
d. Nov. 9, 1875. Four children : — 

I. Hannah Elizabeth, b. Oct. 3, 1836; md., Sept, 6, 
1857, Thomas H. Adams, g. v. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



437 



II. Lucy Ann., b. July 17, 1839 ; iiid., Apr. 12, 1875, 

Arthur Davis. Resides at Lansing, Mich. 

2 chil. 
[II. Ellen Salome., b. Oct. 29, 1843; "^''-i Nov. 27, 

1866, Dr. Charles P., son of S. P. Morrill, q. v. 

Resides in North Andover, Mass. 3 chil. 
IV. Amasa Herbert, b. May 31, 1845 ; nid., Dec. 2, 

1873, Douzetta C. Eriggs. 2 chil. Resides in 

Ambo3', Minn. 



Peter Corbett settled upon the central portion of the 
homestead. He md., Nov. 4, 1852, Dorcas Barker; she 
d. Mar. 19, 1865, aged 33 years. He d. Mar. 11, 1861, 
leaving his estate to his son. One child : — 

I. Herjuan, b. Feb. 13, 1854; md., May 9, 1875, 
Anna S., dau. of J. Hannibal and Isabella 
(Paine) Hunter, of New Vineyard; s. p. 



John Corbett is a faimer living at the Fairbanks vil- 
lage. He md., Nov. 20, 1832, Sarah Backus, dau. of 
Louis Voter, g. v. Four children : — 

I. Louis Voter, b. Aug. 24, 1833 ; d. Mar. 17, 1849. 
II. Lucy Afaria, b. May 2, 1836; md., June 4, 1854, 

Hiram A. Butler, g. 71.; d. July 29, 1879. 
in. Jolm, b. Oct. 10, 1838; d. Oct. 10, 1838. 
IV. Julia LLelen, b. June 18, 1841 ; md.. Mar. 21, 
1861, Charles E. Carvill. 3 chil. 



Peter Corbett follows the occupation of his father and 
grandfather, and for a time lived upon a portion of the 
homestead, but now lives at the Fairbanks village. He 
md.. Mar. 12, 1840, Nancy Knowlton, dau. of William 
Adams, q. v. Six children : — 

I. William Adams, b. May 2, 1841 ; md., Feb. 5, 
1876, Sarah C. Brinkley. 
Charles Feter, b. Dec. 5, 1842 ; enlisted in Co. G, 
i6th Reg. Me. Vols.; d. at Smoketown, Md., 
Oct. 24, "1862. 
Gustaviis LLayes, b. Oct. 15, 1846; md.. Mar., 
1869, Jennie M. Martin. 
IV. John Eugene, b. May 29, 1848 ; lives in Nebraska. 
V. Benjamin Franklin, b. Jan. 4, 1850. 
VI. Ada Anna, b. Feb. 28, 1855 ; d. Dec. 11, i860. 



II. 



in. 



The name Coclirane (afterward spelled Cothren) is derived from two 
Gaelic words which together signify the " battle-cry," and the first pos- 
sessors of the name belonged to the great and warlike clan of Campl)ell 



56 



438 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



in Scotland. The Cochrane family is thus of Scottish origin, one of its 
earliest members, the Earl of Dundonald, being closely associated with 
the varying fortunes of Mary, Queen of Scots. P>om him the Cothrens 
of America claim their descent. The record of the family in Farmington 
begins with the settlement at Martha's Vineyard in the middle of the last 
century. William Cochrane, the emigrant, was the son of William 
Cochrane, a wealthy manufacturer, who removed, about 1740, from 
Paisley, Scotland, to Plymouth, England. When about nineteen years 
of age, young William emigrated to America and took up his residence 
at Chilmark, Mass., where he lived until his marriage to Experience 
Weeks, which took place Nov. i, 1758. They then removed to P^al- 
mouth, where David, their eldest son, was born, Nov., 1768. 



David Cothren, accompanied by his wife and children, 
came to Farmington in the spring of 1795 and settled 
upon a part of back-lot No. 28, east side, comprising a 
part of the same farm occupied by his son William through 
life. He md.. Mar. 15, 1788, Eunice, dau. of Nathaniel 
Backus, q. v. His death occurred in North Carolina, Feb., 
1802. His wife, who survived him, md., in 1808, Stephen 
Dillingham and d. Apr. i, 1841, aged 75 years. Four 
children : — 

I. Keziah, b. Oct. 14, 1789; md., in 1808, Mont- 
gomery Morrison ; d. at Fayette, May, 1878. 
He d. Mar. 10, 1846. 
II. * William, b. Oct. 31, 1791. 

III. Nathaniel, b. Oct. 6, 1793 ; md., Oct. 8, 181 5, 

Clarissa Weed of Milton, N. Y.; d. at Byron, 
111., Sept. t8, 1845. 7 chil. 

IV. lafnar, b. Feb. 12, 1797 ; md. Rufus Dresser and 

removed to Illinois. 



(3) 



Capt. William Cothren was not quite four years of 
age when he was brought by his parents to Farmington, 
and thus his childhood and youth were passed amid the 
scenes and privations incident to pioneer life in the wilder- 
ness. He was by occupation a farmer, a pursuit which he 
loved and dignified, and from which he acquired substantial 
wealth. 

Capt. Cothren served three months in the war of 1812, 
and afterwards as a captain of militia. He was a trustee 
of Farmington Academy from 1845 until the close of the 
institution in 1862, and the friend and patron of learn- 
ing, giving to all his sons a good academical education, and 
to three of them a collegiate one. He md., Jan. 14, 1819, 
Hannah Cooper, b. Feb. 19, 1798, in Pittston ; d. Nov. 29, 
1831; md. (2), Nov. 15, 1835, Mrs. Nancy H., widow of 
Stephen Titcomb, Jr., g. v., who d. Apr. 19, 1840. His 
death occurred July 30, 1879. Five children : — 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



439 



I. William, b. Nov. 28, 1819 ; graduated in the class 
of 1843 at Bowdoin College, and now practices 
law in Woodbury, Conn. He is the author of 
a voluminous history of that ancient town. He 
md.. Sept. 3, 1849, Mary J. Steele, i child ; 
d. young. 

II. Charles, b. June 16, 1822 ; graduated in the class 
of 1849, and now resides in Redbank, N. J. 
He md., Aug. 7, 18.^4, Mrs. Anna (Mitchell) 
Hinman, who d. Aug. 3, 186 1 ; md. (2) Sept. 
5, 1862, Alice Radcliff, who was b. at Saddle- 
worth, England, Sept. 15, 1832. 2 chil., both d. 

III. *Nathaniel, b. June 21, 1825. 

IV. * George Webber, b. July 12, 1829. 

Second marriage: 

V. * Wesley Rogers, b. Dec. 15, 1837. 

Nathaniel Cothren graduated from Bowdoin College 
in the same class with his brother Charles. He adopted 
the law as his profession, and is now a successful attorney 
in New York City. He md., Apr. 2, 1854, Elizabeth W. 
Corlies of Eatontown, N. J. She was b. July 13, 1838. 
One child : — 

I. Frank Howard, b. July 10, 187 1. 



George W. Cothren settled upon a part of the home- 
stead farm, and his general occupation is that of a farmer. 
His standing in society is that of an upright and respected 
cilizen. He served the town as one of the selectmen in 
1872-73-80. He md.. May 9, 1864, Eleanor Hamlin, 
dau* of Joseph S. Craig, q. v. Three children : — 

I. Mary Steele, b. Oct. 29, 1866 ; d. Mar. 30, 1870. 
II. Cora Belle, b. Dec. 26, 187 i. 
in. Carl Howard, b. May 12, 1875. 



Wesley R. Cothren settled on the Stephen Titcomb, 
Jr., farm and was a successful farmer for sorrie years, 
when he abandoned agricultural pursuits and went ex- 
tensively into corn-canning business as one of the firm of 
Waugh, Cothren and Williams. He md., Dec. 19, 1861, 
Elizabeth Wendell, dau. of Hiram Holley, q. v. One 
child :— 

I. Williatn Holley, b. Sept. 20, 1862 ; graduated from 
Bowdoin College in the class of 1884. 



440 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Andrew Craig, the ancestor of the Craig family of Farmington, was 
of Scottish birth. He was one of the brave men who left their native 
country to find a home vn the north of Ireland during the troublous 
period of its later history. In 1725, with his wife, Jenett Todd, and 
young family, he left Scotland, and after a brief residence of five years in 
Ireland embarked for America, arriving in Boston Feb. 28, 1730. Soon 
after he removed to Wrentham, Mass. John, son of Andrew, was born 
in Scotland, October, 1721, and came with his parents to this country. 
He married Mary Skinner, and spent his life in Wrentham., where he 
died, Apr. 27, 1803, and his wife, June 18, 1788. Among their children 
were Elias Craig, who settled in Augusta, and Enoch Craig, who was 
among the pioneers of Farmington. 



Enoch Craig was born in Wrentham, Mass., Sept. 11, 
1758. He early entered the Continental army, in which 
he served until 1780, when he came to that part of Hallo- 
well now Augusta, where he remained about a year. In 
June, 1 78 1, he first came to the Sandy River township in 
company with Robert Kannady, Calvin Edson, and Garret 
Burns for the purpose of exploration with a view to settle- 
ment. Mr. Craig and Mr. Kannady selected river-lot No. 
22, east side, built a camp, and returned to Hallowell. In 
the September following, in company with William Kan- 
nady, he again visited the township and felled some trees 
on the farm where Joseph S. Craig now lives, and upon 
that known as the Heath farm, upon which Mr. Kannady 
settled.* Mr. Craig was a man of great industry and 
capable of performing an immense amount of labor, and 
soon his broad acres were teeming with luxuriant crops. 
He soon enlarged his farm by purchasing^ lot No. 21 
adjoining on the north, and built the best log-house in the 
township, and also a log hovel near the interval, which 
was submerged in the great freshet of Oct. 22, 1785, and 
his grain seriously injured. His corn-crop was also, de- 
stroyed by the severe frost of August, 1783. In the 
winter of 1789 the improvements had become so extensive 
upon his farm that it became necessary that he should 
have a partner to share his labors and the fruits of his 
labors. The nearest point at which marriages could be 
solemnized was Hallowell. Having previously been pub- 
lished, he proceeded thither with his intended wife, Doro- 
thy, sister of Moses Starling, Esq., and was married, Feb. 
15, 1789, by Brown Emerson, Esq. This is said to have 
been the second marriage between persons residing in the 



* Parker's History of Farmington, p. 23. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 44 1 

township. Mr. Craig erected a framed barn in 1789, and 
the house now occupied by Jairus L. Prescott in 1795 or 
1796. 

Mr. Craig was a man of great worth of character, and 
possessed the universal confidence of his townsmen. He 
was elected one of the selectmen in 1794, 1795, and 1803, 
and served the town as treasurer in 18 18, 18 19, 1820, and 
182 1. He d. Dec. 10, 1835. His wife, who was b. Apr. 
29, 1763, d. Feb. 2, 1829. Ten children : — 

I. ^ John, b. Nov. 14, 1789. 

II. Mary, b. Aug. 29, 1791 ; md., Nov. 15, 1810, 
Benj. M. Belcher, q. v. ; d. May 6, 1815. 

III. Margaret, b. May i, 1793; d. Dec. 2, 1813; 

unmd. 

IV. Enoch, Jr., b. Sept. 8, 1795 ; md. Julia A. Cooper 

of Pittston ; settled in Freeman ; d. May 8, 
1874. She d. June 30, 186 1. 8 chil. 
V. * Moses, b. May 26, 1797. 

VI. Abigail, b. Mar. 18, 1799; md., Apr. 14, 1819, 
Hebron Mayhew ; d. Feb. 19, 1878, Several 
chil. 
VII. Ha7inah, b. July 5, 1801 ; md., Nov. 9, 1820, 

Joseph D. Prescott, q. v. ; d. Feb. 18, 1865. 
VIII. * Joseph Starling, b, June 8, 1803. 
IX. Dorothy Starling, b. May 27, 1806; md., Jan. 4, 
1S27, Robert W. Tobey ; d. July 24, 1874. 4 
chil. 
X. * Jesse, b. Apr. 26, 1808. 



John Craig settled upon back-lot No. 8, east side, 
where he spent his life as an industrious farmer, highly 
respected for the integrity of his character. He md., Jan. 
27, 1814, Drusilla, dau. of Daniel Stanley, who was b. in 
Attleboro, Mass., Jan. 17, 1788; she d. June 29, 1823, and 
he md. (2), Aug. 28, 1824 (pub.), her sister Charlotte, who 
was b. in Attleboro, June 15, 1792, and d. July 23, 1874. 
He d. Jan. 22, 1873. Seven children : — 

I. John Stanley, b. May 10, 1815 ; md. in Ohio, in 
1840, Sarah E. Tracy ; d. at Farmington, la., 
Jan. 17, 1864. 
II. *IIiram Belcher, b. Mar. 16, 18 17. 

III. Mary Margaret, b. July 4, 1820; md., Nov. 28, 

1848, Josiah Cutler. 
Second marriage : 

IV. * Charles Stanley, b. July 6, 1825. 
V. *Samuel Gould, b. Dec. 16, 1827. 

VI. Charlotte Drusilla, b. Feb. 17, 1830. Unmd. 
vii. * Virgil Lafayette, b. Oct. 24, 1832. 



442 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(6) 



19 

20 

21 

22 

23 
(9) 



24 
25 



26 



32 

00 



Moses Craig settled upon a farm in the west part of 
the town, the same now owned by Chauncey C. Bangs, 
where he made his home until near the close of his life. 
He md.. Mar. 21, 182 1, Lois Nelson, dau. of Ezra Thomas, 
g. v., who d. Jan. 14, 1864. He d. Nov. 12, 1877. Five 
children : — 

I. Mary Belcher, b. July 31, 1822 ; md., May 18, 

1850, J. B. Dow; d. Mar. 21, 1882. 3 chil. 
II. Josiah Starling, b. Aug. 31, 1823; md., July 4, 
1857, Lucy S. Smith; md. (2), Nov. 20, 1871, 
Nellie Fuller, i child. 

III. Lois Nelson, b. Apr, 7, 1826; md., Sept. 20, 1854, 

Joseph Titcomb, q. v. 

IV. Moses, b. Aug. 28, 1830; md., Oct. 15, 1864, 

Lizzie Merrill ; md. (2), June, 1866, Mrs. Lizzie 
Simon ds ; s. p. 
v. Enoch Belcher, b. Sept. 3, 1833 ; d. Mar. 3, 1847. 



Joseph Starling Craig settled upon .the south part of 
the homestead farm, which has been his home for life, and 
where he now resides. Mr. Craig has taken a high rank 
in the community as an industrious and successful farmer. 
He md., Sept. 29, 1830, Dorcas Dunning Wheeler of Ches- 
terville, who was b. May 3, 1814. Nine children : — 

I. Andelia, b. Jan. 6, 1832 ; d. June 18, 1850. 
II. Almaron F., b. Apr. 25, 1834; md., Nov. 15, 1855 

(pub.). Marietta L., dau. of Jeremiah Butler, Jr., 

q. V. He moved to Iowa, and now lives at 

Laurens in that State. Chil. 
III. Elzoda, b. Oct. 23, 1836; md., Nov. 12, 1854, 

Charles M. Macomber of Wilton. 
Eleanor Hamlin, b. Jan 28, 1840; md.. May 9, 

1864, Geo. W. Cothren, q. v. 
Joseph, b. Aug. 25, 1842. Is a lawyer in Iowa. 

Unmd. 
Mary Jane, b. Oct. 18, 1845. Unmd. 
John Wheeler, b. Apr. 23, 1848; d. Jan. 17, 1866. 
Lynfi, b. June 19, 185 1 ; md., Mar. 8, 1879, Sarah 

Fellows. He carries on the homestead farm, 

which is one of the few farms in the town that 

has been in the same family for more than a 

century. 
IX. Fred W., b. June 29, 1854; md., Sept. 29, 1880, 

A. Diantha Corliss. 

Jesse Craig lived for a time on the north part of the 
homestead farm, the same now owned by Jairus L. Pres- 
cott, but removed to Aroostook County in Jan., 1845, and 
made a home at Island Falls, where he now lives. He 



27 


IV. 


28 


V. 


29 


VI. 


30 


VII. 


31 


VIII. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 443 

md., Aug. 13, 1837, Eliza A., dau. of Timothy Currier, 
q. V. She d. Sept. 18, 1884. Eleven children : — 

I. Elizabeth Rogers^ b. June 7, 1838; md., June 21, 

1S63, Joshua H. Pratt. Resides in Iowa. 
II. Martha Ann, b. Sept. 9, 1839 ; d. May 3, 1842. 

III. IVilliatn Henry, b. Dec. 31, 1840; d. in Augusta, 

Jan. 22, 1862. Was a volunteer soldier in the 
Rebellion. 

IV. Augustine, b. Oct. 14, 1842 ; d. in New Orleans, 

La., Sept. 15, 1862. Was a volunteer soldier 
in the Rebellion. 
V. Sarah Augusta, b. Oct. 9, 1844; d. Jan. 31, 1864. 
VI. J'/ci'ry, b. June 13, 1846; md., July i, 1875, Ben- 
jamin H. Towle. 
VII. Lydia Ballard, b. Feb. 3, 1848 ; d. Dec. 26, 1862. 
viii. Fhile7ia, b. Dec. 24, 1850; d. Nov. 20, 1862. 
IX. Alpheus, b. Feb. 10, 1853 ; md., Nov. i, 1878, 

Hattie P. Moore. 
X. Thomas Parker, b. Mar. 3, 1855. Unmd. 
XI. Timothy Currier, b. July 18, i860. Is a student 
in Harvard College of the class of 1887. 



Hiram Belcher Craig settled as a farmer near the 
homestead farm. Md., Jan. 26, 1848, Sophia W. Roberts; 
she d. Mar. 31, 1849, and he md. (2), May 16, 1852, Mrs, 
Harriet W. Rundlett, who survives him. He d. June 29, 
1867. Three children : — ■ 

I. Sophia Allen, b. Mar. 25, 1849 ; md., Jan. i, 1885, 
Charles Leonard Handscomb. 

Second marriage : 

II. Lewis Whittier, b. June 11, 1855; graduated at 

Wesleyan University in 1883, and is at present 
teaching at Tilton, N. H. Md., Nov. 27, 1883, 
Lizzie E. Stevens of Fayette. 
III. Carrie Andelia, b. July 13, 1859. 

Charles S. Craig first lived in New Sharon, but finally 
succeeded to the homestead farm, where he d., July 8, 
1877. He md., Nov. 5, 1850, Hannah A., dau. of George 
Gower, q. v. Four children : — 

I. Charles Albert, b. Jan. 14, 1852. Lives in Cali- 
fornia. 
II. George Washington, b. Nov. 21, 1853. Lives in 
California. 

III. John Melville, b. Jan. 12, 1859. Carries on the 

homestead. 

IV. Hiram Belcher, b. May 30, 1864; d. Jan. 3, 1883. 



444 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(i6) 



61 

52 

54 
(18) 



55 
56 

(51) 



57 



Samuel G. Craig first settled on a part of his father's 
farm, and afterwards purchased the Thomas Hiscock farm 
on the west side of the river. Here he still lives, one of 
the largest and most successful farmers in town. He md., 
July 16, 1853, Ellen K. B., dau. of Asa Abbot, q. v. ; she 
d. July 14, 1861, and he md. (2), July 3, 1862, Susan J., 
dau. of Benj. Weathern, q. v. Two children : — 

I. *Samiiel Abbott, b. Jan. 26, 1855. 
II. Lizzie Ellen, b. Nov. 12, 1856; md., Nov. 2, 1878, 
O. P. Whittier of New Sharon. 2 chil : 

1. Arthur Craig Whittier, b. Mar. 6, 188 1.. 

2. Helen Abbott Whittier, b. Nov. 24, 

1882. 



Virgil L. Craig fitted for college at the Farmington 
Academy and entei"ed Bowdoin College, but was compelled 
by ill-health to relinquish his collegiate studies at the close 
of his sophomore year. He has since made farming his 
vocation, in which pursuit he has been very successful, 
although he has not allowed his taste for books to languish, 
having taught many schools and served several years on 
the Superintending School Committee. He md., Aug. 26, 
1858, Carrie S. Mclntyre, b. Aug. 12, 1836. Two chil- 
dren : — 

I. Charley Ellis, b. Mar. 28, 1861. 
II. Eaward O'Brien, b. Dec. 15, 1873. 



Samuel Abbott Craig resides in New Sharon, where 
he cultivates a farm. He md., Jan. 26, 1880, Mary F. 
Atherton of Waterford. One child : — 

I. John Atherton, b. Jan. 31, 188 1. 



The family of Croswell is proud to trace its lineage from most honor- 
able ancestry. Andrew Croswell, the grandfather of Thomas Croswell, 
was a graduate of Harvard College in the class of 1728. He was 
ordained as a Congregational minister, and was first settled in Groton, 
Conn. In 1748 he came to Boston. At that time religious feeling and 
controversy ran high. George Whitefield was in the country, and his 
preaching was a rock of offense to the conservatives of the standing 
order. Croswell espoused the cause of Whitefield, and his friends were 
sufficient to organize a church for him, which they did in February, 1748. 
The services were held in the building of ihe French Protestant Church 
on School St., and the church was known as the School St. Church, one 
of the famous Revalutionary pulpits of Boston. The church, however 
dissolved at Croswell's death, Apr. 12, 1785. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



445 



Mr. Croswell is described as a stalwart Calviiiist, a deadly foe to 
Arminianism and to new lights of every kind, always disputing with 
ministers and usually with those that came nearest to his way of think- 
ing. He published several occasional sermons. His son, Andrew Cros- 
well, Jr., was a goldsmith at Plymouth, Mass., and had his shop l^ut a 
few steps from the spot made memorable by the landing of the Pilgrims. 
Here were born eleven children, among whom were Dr. Andrew Cros- 
well of Mercer, Dr. Samuel Croswell of Paris, Thomas Croswell, and 
Abigail, wife of Zachariah Soule, q. v. Mr. Croswell died in 1797, 
leaving a dependent family. His widow, Sarah Croswell, soon moved to 
Falmouth, her native place. 



Thomas Croswell {vide page 298), the youngest of the 
eleven children of Andrew and Sarah Croswell, was b. in 
Plymouth, Mass., Apr. 8, 1791. He removed with his 
mother to Falmouth after his father's death, but when 
about fifteen years old came to Paris, where for a year or 
more he lived with his brother Samuel. Later he came to 
Mercer, where his brother Andrew was established as a 
physician, and there, after the close of the war of 181 2, he 
began his career as a merchant. In 18 16 he came to 
Farmington Falls, and there was in active business for 
nearly fifty years, probably a longer business career than 
any other man has had in the town. Mr. Croswell was 
fully identified with the interests of Farmington Falls, and 
did much to make it prosperous. He was thoroughly 
respected among his townsmen, and left an unblemished 
reputation. He d. Jan. 6, 1879. Mr. Croswell md., Oct. 
14, 182 I, Mary, dau. of James Gower, q. v., who survives 
him. Nine children : — 

\. Mary Gower, b. Jan. 26, 1823; md., 1851, John 

T. Gower, and resides in Los Angelos, Cal. 
n. Sarah P., b. Aug. 19, 1824; d. Dec. 23, 1841. 
in. *Tho7nas, b. Nov. 23, 1825. 
IV. * Andrew C, b. Dec. 18, 1827. 
v. Susan G., b. Oct. 6, 1829. She is in business at 

Farmington Falls. 
VI. James Henry Gower, b. May 28, 1831 ; md., July 
7, i860, Hannah Robbins. He is a successful 
business man in Minneapolis, Minn. 
VII. Micah S., b. July 20, 1833 ; md., Sept., 1865, 
Mary E. Parsons of Milwaukee, Wis. He is a 
Congregational clergyman, and has labored 
chiefly in Illinois and California. 
VIII. Elizabeth B., b. Mar. 18, 1835. Has been a 
teacher many years. 
IX. Hannah Francis, b. Nov. 30, 1838 ; d. julv 30, 
1841. 



57 



446 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(4) 



(5) 



II 

12 

IS 



Thomas Croswell, Jr., entered his father's store when 
a lad, and has always identified himself with the business. 
He succeeded to the business in 1866, and has had a 
successful life. In 1872 and 1873 he represented the 
town in the legislature. He md., Oct. 22, 1861, Harriet J. 
Taylor, who was b. in Danvers, Mass., Sept. 10, 1830 ; 
s. p. 



Andrew C. Croswell went west in early life, and was 
for a time in California and Minnesota. Returning to 
Farmington, he entered trade with his brother, and is at 
present in partnership with him. He md., in Monticello, 
Minn., Mar. 16, 1862, Lizzie C. Rich, who was b. July 26, 
1834. Five children : — 

L Clyde A., b. at Monticello, Minn., Oct. i, 1863. 
n. Ernest A., b. Oct. 4, 1867. 

III. Thomas R., ) , -vr or 

. J 27 r b. Nov. 10, i86q. 

IV. Andrew E., ) ^' ^ 

V. Mary S., b. Apr. 17, 1873. 



Richard Currier was one of the earliest settlers of Salisbury, Mass. 
He was born about 1616. Among the children of Richard Currier and 
Ann his wife was Thomas, who was born in Salisbury in 1646 and 
married Mary Osgood. He was a respected citizen of Salisbury and 
Amesbury, and deacon of the church. The second child of Thomas and 
Mary Currier was Thomas, Jr., who was born in Amesbury in 1671, 
married Sarah Barnard, and continued to reside in Amesbury, where his 
seventh child, Thomas, 3d, was born in 171 7. Thomas Currier, 3d, 
married Jemima .Morrill, and resided in Amesbury. Their second son, 
Joseph, was born May 20, 1746, and married Elizabeth Tweed of York, 
Me., and removed to Deerfield, N. H., where his children were born. 
He removed to Mt. Vernon about 1792, where he died Jan. 28, 181 7. 
Among his ten children were Samuel, born June 29, 1777, and Timothy, 
noticed below. 



Timothy Currier came from Mt. Vernon to this town 
about 18 1 5. By trade he was a tailor and carried on a 
successful business until 1836. He erected and after- 
wards sold to Dr. Samuel G. Stanley the Dr. Perkins 
house situated in the northern part of the Center Village. 
Subsequently Mr. Currier became the owner of the Ezra 
Thomas farm on the west side of the river, and after sev- 
eral removals came back there to spend his last days. He 
was b. Apr. 6, 1789 ; md., Nov. 29, 1816, Eliza Ballard; d. 
Oct. 10, 1858. Mrs. Currier was b. June 8, 1790, and d. 
Oct. 30, 1S84. Seven children : — 




.Si^^/^>r^^>-^ QO^ 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 447 

I. Eliza Atina, b. Aug. 23, 181 7; md., Aug. 13, 
^837, Jesse Craig, q. v.\ d. Sept. 18, 1884. 

II. Hannah Ballard, b. Feb. 7, 1819; md. (pub.), 
Sept. 19, 1837, Nehemiah C. Alexander; d, 
in Harpswell, Jan. i, 1872. 

III. Miriam Bean, b. Feb. 19, 182 1 ; d. Jan. 23, 1853 ; 
unmd. 

IV. Susan Church, b. Sept. 9, 1823 ; d. July 19, 1825. 
V. Susan Church, b. Apr. 13, 1826 ; d. Dec. 31, 1832. 

VI. Sarah Soule, b. 1828 ; d. Nov. 7, 1842. 
VII. Abraham Fuller Belcher, b. June 8, 1834; d. June 
25, 1836. 

ALVAn Currier, son of Samuel and nephew of preced- 
ing, was born in Mt. Vernon, July 20, 1806. He came to 
Farmington in April, 1829, and purchased the Isaac 
Thomas farm, soon becoming an extensive farmer. He 
was also a teacher in the public schools in this and other 
towns. His intelligence and business capacity soon ren- 
dered him conspicuous among his townsmen. For many 
years his business in the Probate Court has been very large, 
growing out of his offices as administrator, executor and 
guardian, for which positions his thorough knowledge of the 
principles and forms of Probate business has eminently 
fitted him. He has perhaps written more wills, settled 
more estates, and assisted more widows and orphans in 
securing their rights, than any other man in Franklin 
County, while for his services his charges have always 
been moderate. Capt. Currier commanded the West 
Company of militia, and served the town as selectman in 
1844-45, i^5°~5^~52) 1860-61-62-63-64-65. He was 
elected trustee and treasurer of the school fund in 1859, a 
position he still holds. He represented the town in the 
legislature of 1853, and the county in the senate of 1855. 
Capt. Currier was appointed state valuation commissioner 
by Governor Chamberlain in 1869. He md., Nov. 27, 
1827, Nancy Clough, b. in Fayette, June 26, 1807. Eight 
children : — 

I. Samuel Howard, b. in Mt. Vernon, Mar. 15, 

1829; d. in California, Feb. 8, 1853. 
II. Lydia Anfi, b. Mar. 16, 183 1 ; md., Dec, 1850, 
Allen F. Williams. Resides in Mt. Vernon. 
2 chil. 

III. ^ David Elliott, b. Jan. 23, 1835. 

IV. Susan Elizabeth, b. Feb. 8, 1837 ; md., Oct. 22, 

1855, Thomas H. Hunter, q. v.; md. (2), June 
II, 1878, Elbridge Tufts Smith. 

V. Alvan Tyler, b. Apr. 28, 1840; md.. Mar. 20, 1881, 

Susan R. Rubottom. He owns a ranch of 



448 



H/STORV OF FARMINGTON. 



15 



16 

18 



19 

20 

(12) 



21 

22 



2200 acres in Spadia, Ca!., and resides 
there. 
VI. Hannah Augusta, b. Jan. 31, 1842 ; md., June 15, 
187 1, George W. Wheeler, grandson of Ephraim 
G. Butler, q. v. i child : 

I. George Currier Wheeler, b. Mar. 5, 1879. 

VII. George Merritf, b. Apr. 28, 1844; unmd. 
VIII. Mittie Francis, b. Jan. 15, 1850; md. July i, 1877, 
Joseph Carleton Holman. He commenced 
the practice of law at Phillips, where he served 
as treasurer of the Phillips Savings Bank. 
Upon his elevation to the position of Clerk of 
Courts for Franklin County, he took up his 
residence at Farmington, and is now County 
Attorney and a successful lawyer at the Frank- 
lin Bar. 2 chil.: 

1. Josie May Holman, b. Apr. 22, 1878. 

2. Currier Carleton Holman, b. Dec. 4, 1883. 

David II. Currier began early in life to teach success- 
fully in the public schools, and has frequently been called 
to act as one of the S. S. Committee. He resides upon 
his farm near Fairbanks village. He md., June 30, 1864, 
Abbie A. Elliott, b. in Readfield, Sept. 25, 1840. Two 
children : — 

I. Sadie Louise, b. Jan. 30, 1868. 
II. George Tyler, b. Mar. 14, 187 1. 



The Cushman family of America traces its ancestry to Robert Cush- 
man, a non-conforming English clergyman. He cast his fortune among 
the I'ilgrim fathers, accompanied them to Holland, and with them left 
Delft Haven in the Speedzvell. When she became unseaworthy, he 
returned with her to Southampton. The following year he again set sail 
for America, and arrived in the Fortune, Nov. 9, 1621. Mr. Cushman 
continued his profession in America, and was considered a learned and 
able preacher. Many of h*is sermons were famed on both sides of the 
Atlantic. He had one son, Thomas, born in England in 1606, who 
accompanied him to this country. He was an elder in the church, and 
married Mary Allerton, who became the last survivor of the Mayflower 
passengers. They were the parents of eight children. The family of 
Cushman which settled in Farmington is descended from Eleazar, the 
seventh child of Thomas and Mary Cushman, who was born in 1656. 
His son James settled at Dartmouth, and was the father of James Cush- 
man, who came as an old man to Farmington to die with his oldest 
child. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 449 

Jonathan Cushman, the eldest child of James and 
Hannah (Negus) Cushman, was born in Dartmouth (now 
New Bedford), Mass., Oct. 26, 1754. He was well edu- 
cated in the English branches, and studied navigation. 
He began life as a sailor, and during the Revolution com- 
manded a brig, was captured and imprisoned on board the 
British prison-ship Jersey. Previous to this he had joined 
the Continental army, and aided in the fortification of 
Dorchester Heights. After the Revolution he continued 
to reside at New Bedford until he removed to Farmington 
in 1795. He purchased the farm on the west side of the 
river, now owned b}' J. S. Ellis, which had been previously 
settled by John Rice and there had a home for the remain- 
der of his life. Captain Cushman was a man of intelligence 
and wide information, and was respected for his good sense. 
He served the town as one of its selectmen in 1802. He 
d. Apr. 24, 1834. Captain Cushman was twice married : 
June I, 1780, to Mary Spooner, who died Oct. 11, 1804; 
Jan. 10, 1805, to Widow Anna (Norton) Hervey, who died 
May 1, 1850, aged 78 years. Nine children: — 

I. *Henry, b. in Dartmouth, Mass., Aug. 21, 1781. 
II. Jonathan., b, in Dartmouth, Mar. i, 1783; d. in 

Demerara, June, 1801 ; unmd. 
HI. Thomas, b. in Dartmouth, July 28, 17S8; d. young. 
IV. Mary., b. in Dartmouth, Dec. 23, 1790; md., Jan. 

18, 1810, Samuel Smith; d. Oct. 10, 1826. 7 

chil. 
V. James., b. in Dartmouth, July 19, 1792 ; md., Aug., 

1818, Sarah Weathern ; md. (2), Apr. 4, 1822, 

Nancy Barden. Settled in Phillips; d. Apr. 

7, 1873. 12 chil, by second marriage. 

Second marriage : 

VI. Sarah, b. Nov., 1805 ; md., Dec. 2, 1833, James 

Hunter; d. Nov. 2, 187 i. 3 chil. 
VII. Benjamin Hervey, b. Mar. 22, 1807; settled upon 
the homestead, but in 1834 removed to Read- 
field and purchased the farm of his wife's 
father, Samuel Waugh. He soon, however, 
left Readfield and removed to Winthrop, where 
he engaged in trade. When the Androscoggin 
and Kennebec Railroad was built, he took 
large contracts for the building, and subse- 
quently took the contracts for constructing the 
road from Calais to Baring, and also a portion 
of the Androscoggin road. About 1856 he 
was appointed superintendent of the Portland 
and Kennebec R. R., which position he held 
for many years, with headquarters at Augusta. 



450 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(2) 



^3 

14 

IS 
16 

17 
18 

19 

20 



IX. 



Upon retiring from this office, he was elected 
president of the Granite Bank of Augusta. 
Failing health compelled him to relinquish 
business, and in 1877 he moved to Farming- 
ton, where he d., Apr. 26, 1879. •'^''- Cushman 
was an enterprising business man, and acquired 
a substantial fortune. In social circles he was 
much esteemed for his genial qualities. He 
md., June 19, 1832, Nancy Waugh of Read- 
field ; s. p. 

Hannah, b. Oct., 1S09 ; md., Aug. 11, 1834 (pub.), 
William Streeter. 3 chil. 

Betsey, b. June 15, 181 1; md., June 10, 1834, 
Jabez T. Gay, q. v. ; d. Apr. 2, 1845. 



Henry Cushman moved with his father to Farmington 
when a lad. Although he cultivated a farm, it was as a 
school-teacher and preacher that he was principally 
known. He taught school for fifty-six years, and was the 
first principal of the Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kent's 
Hill. In this profession he was very successful. He was 
ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church July 2, 1822. 
The last half of his life he resided in Avon, and d. while 
on a visit to his daughter at Portsmouth, N. H., in 1855. 
He md., Feb. 19, 1800, Phebe Collins. Thirteen chil- 
dren : — 

I. Jonathati, b. Apr. 22, 1801 ; md., Dec. 26, 1830, 

Abigail Hersey ; s. p. 
II. Elizabeth Luce, b. in Strong, Oct. 12, 1802; md., 
Oct. II, 1829, Stephen M. Pratt of Industry; 
d. Apr. 4, 1840. 

III. Thomas Jeffers(ni, b. in Strong, June 7, 1804; md., 

Oct. 28, 1835, Phebe Luce ; d. May 20, 1864. 
9 chil. 

IV. Henry, b. in Strong, Jan. 8, 1806; md., Sept. 8, 

1823, Mary Wardwell ; d. July 4, 1844. 6 
chil. 
V. Mary, b. in Strong, July i, 1808; md., Nov. 11, 

1832, John Church; d. 1884. 8 chil. 
VI. Phebe Collins, b. in Strong, May 16, 18 10; md., 
Sept. 8, 1838, Robert Littlefield of Penobscot. 
VII. Sally Nevins, b. in Strong, Dec. 30, 181 1; md., 

Nov. 14, 1835, Adniram Gates. 3 chil. 
VIII. Thankful Hatch, b. in Strong, Nov. 12, 1813. 
Unmd. 
IX. William CoIUjis, b. July 23, 18 16; md., Apr. 20, 

1840, Sarah Rollins. 7 chil. 
X. Rebecca Luce, b. 1817 ; md., June 8, 1849, Nathan 
French of Newburyport. i child. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



451 



23 



XI, Lucy JVevitts, b. Sept. 13, 1819; md., Nov., 1849, 
James L. Fitch of Newburyport. 2 chil. 

XII. Ruth Bangs, b. Dec. 30, 182 1 ; md., Nov. 16, 
1843, Rufus Libby; d. Mar. 27, 1847. 2 chil. 

XIII. Charles Wesley, b. May 26, 1823 ; md., Oct. 19, 
1845, Jane Hall of Uxbridge, Mass. 



The ancestor of the Farmington family of Cutlers was James Cutler, 
whom we find at Watertown, Mass., as early as 1634. When he came to 
this country, or from what part of England he came, is unknown. Tra- 
dition says he married one of two sisters " who came to New England 
alone, without father, husband, brother, or lover, to escape the religious 
persecution of their family at home." He settled near Lexington, Mass., 
and died May 17, 1694, aged 88 years. His son James, the eldest of 
twelve children, was born Nov. 6, 1635, and married, June 15, 1665, 
Lydia Wright. He lived at Lexington, was a soldier in King Philip's 
War, and died July 31, 1685. Thomas Cutler, his son, the sixth of seven 
children, was born Dec. 15, 1677; married Sarah Allis and (2), Apr. 10, 
1750, Lydia Symonds. He was a prominent citizen of Lexington, and 
served as selectman and constable. He died Dec. 23, 1759. David 
Cutler, the second child of Thomas and Sarah (Allis) Cutler, was born 
Aug. 26, 1705; married Mary Field, and died Dec. 5, 1760. Like his 
father, he was selectman and constable, and was, moreover, a man of 
considerable fortune. Joseph, his third child, was born on the Cutler 
farm in Lexington in a house still standing, May 3, 1733; married. May 
6, 17^5, Rebecca Hoar; (2), Sept. 20, 1759, Mary Reed. He removed 
from Lexington to Western, now Warren, Mass., about 1755. Joseph 
Cutler had ten children, four sons and six daughters, and among his sons 
were twins, Nathan and Reuben. 



Nathan Cutler was born in Western, Mass., May 29, 
1775 {"^^^^ P^gc 275). He md., Sept. 10, 1804, Hannah 
Moore, b. in Western, Sept. 27, 1784; d. Feb. 20, 1835. 
He md. (2), May, 1838, Mrs. Harriet (Estabrook) Weld of 
Brunswick, who d. Sept. 8, 1884, aged 83 years. His 
death occurred June 8, 186 r. Nine children by first 
marriage : — 

I. Mary Reed, b. Mar. 13, 1806; md., Nov. 15, 1827, 

Robert Goodenow, q. v.; d. Feb. 18, 1873. 
II. Nathan Moore, b. Aug. 2, 1808. Entered Bow- 
doin College, but owing to ill-health did not 
complete the course. He removed to Warren, 
Mass., and went into business with his uncle, 
John Moore, and subsequently accepted an 
appointment as debenture clerk in the Boston 
custom-house under the administration of Pres- 



452 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(7) 



ident Van Buren and the collectorship of 
George Bancroft. This position he held until 
his death, Oct. 30, 1849. He md., Sept. 12, 
1836, Columbia Shearer, who d. Sept. 25, 1849, 
3 dau. 

III. JoJm Lewis, b. Aug. 31, 1810; d. Apr. 8, 1814. 

IV. Elbridge Gerry, b. May 14, 1812. Was fitted for 

his collegiate course at Farmington Academy, 
and graduated from Harvard College in 1834. 
Among his classmates were Hon. Joseph H. 
Williams of Augusta and Thomas Cushing, 
late principal of Chauncey Hall School in 
Boston. After his graduation he devoted some 
time to the profession of law, and then studied 
theology at the seminaries in Andover, Mass., 
and New Haven, Conn. In 1842 Mr. Cutler 
was settled over the Congregational church 
and society at Belfast, and in 1846 received an 
invitation to preach in Reading, Penn., which 
he accepted, with the hope that the changed 
climate would be beneficial to his health, but 
before his return he was prostrated by lung- 
fever, and died at Reading, Apr. 28, 1846. 
He was an able preacher, a faithful pastor, and 
an earnest Christian. He md.. May 21, 1843, 
Clara Ann, dau. of Jacob Abbott, q. v. ; s. p. 
v. Reuben, b. Oct. 20, 1815 ; d. Jan. 12, 1816. 
VI. * John Lewis, b. Dec. 15, 18 16. 
VII. "^Reuben, b. Dec. 13, 1819. 

VIII. LLannah Moore, b. Oct. 16, 182 1; md., July 12, 
1843, Philip Sydney Page of Maiden, Mass. ; 
d. Mar. 10, 1885. 4 chil. 
IX. Lsaac Moore, b. Nov. 3, 1823. Was educated at 
Farmington Academy, and early engaged in 
mercantile pursuits, in company with Leander 
Boardman. He afterwards removed to Port- 
land, where he was associated in the flour-trade 
with Thomas Weston, and later entered the 
dry-goods business with Storer Bros. He was 
at one time a large government contractor, and 
having acquired an ample fortune retired from 
active business. He served the town of Farm- 
ington as treasurer in 1851-52-53. Resides 
at Maiden, Mass.; unmd. 



John L. Cutler {viae page 279) md., Aug. 16, 1843, 
Abby D., dau. of Hiram Belcher, q. v. She d. Apr. 24, 
1847. He md. (2), Oct. 18, 1848, Zilpha Ingraham, dau. 
of Reuel and Sarah L. (Cony) Williams of Augusta. She 
was b. Aug. 18, 1822; d. July 25, 1851. Four chil- 
dren : — 



13 
14 



'5 
i6 

17 



(8) 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 453 

I. Nathan, b. Jan. 7, 1845. Entered Harvard Col- 
lege in the class of 1864, but at the close of 
his sophomore N-ear left college to enlist in the 
Civil War, and remained in his country's ser- 
vice until after its close. While a member of 
the 2d Me. Cavalry, he served through the Port 
Hudson campaign, and was severely wounded 
in an engagement at Marianna, Fla., Sept. 27, 
1864; being left behind by his regiment, he 
fell into the hands of the Rebels, and became 
a prisoner for eight months, three of which 
were spent at Andersonville. He was promot- 
ed major June 13, 1864, and afterwards com- 
manded the post at Marianna. " His duty 
during his whole term of service was active 
and arduous, and was performed with that 
fidelity which won for him the name of a good 
and useful officer." Major Cutler received an 
appointment in 1867 as commandant of the 
U. S. Military Asylum at Togus, which he re- 
signed after two years. He adopted the law 
as his profession, and began practice in New 
York Citv. He md., Oct. 4, 1884, Mrs. Louisa 
F. Merrill of New York City, 
II. Elbridge Gerry, b. Sept. 7, 1846. Graduated at 
Harvard College in 1868, and subsequently at 
the Harvard Medical School. After receiving 
its degree, he spent two years in study and at 
hospitals in Europe. He has established a 
successful practice in Boston, Mass., and is 
Clinical Instructor in Auscultation and Percus- 
sion in the Harvard Medical School. 

Second marriage : 

III. Anna Williams, b. Aug. 22, 1849; d. in Passy, 

Paris, Oct. 7, 1872. 

IV. Zilpha Jngraham, b. July 19, 185 1 ; md., Dec. 30, 

1874, William Allen, son of Prof. Henry B. 
and Elizabeth (Allen) Smith. 4 chil. : 

1. William Allen Smith, b. Oct. 6, 1875. 

2. Henry King Smith, b. Feb. 21, 1877. 

3. Reuel Williams Smith, b. Jan. 11, 1880; 

d. Jan. 14, 1880. 

4. Anna Cutler Smith, b. Nov. 13, \\ 



Reuben Cutler {vide page 303) md., Dec. 18, 1845, 
Mary Jane, dau. of Francis Butler, q. v., who d. Mar. 24, 
1847. -H^ "^*^'- (2)? Sept. 26, 1855, Frances Elizabeth, 
dau. of Jesse Wentworth, q. v., who d. June 17, 1873. He 



58 



454 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTOM. 



19 



21 

22 

(19) 



23 



md. (3), Aug. 30, 1875, Charlotte Belcher, dau. of Thomas 
Hunter, q. v. He d. Nov. 21, 18S2. Four children : — 

I. * Reuben Francis, b. Mar. 20, 1847. 

Second marriage : 

Charles Herrick, b. Dec, 18, 1859. Graduated 
from Bowdoin College in 18S1, Tutor ,at 
Brunswick in 1882. At present studying for 
the Congregational ministry at Andover, Mass. 

Nellie Fra?ices, b. July, 1863 ; d. Apr. 30, 1864. 

Isaac Moore, b. May, 1867; d. Sept. 21, 1868. 



II. 



III. 

IV, 



Reuben Francis Cutler md., Mar. 23, 1870, Etta M., 
dau. of Joseph R. and Sarah (Watson) Greenwood. One 
child : — 



I, Fred Greenwood, b. Oct. 2, 1874. 



The pedigree of the Sylvanus Davis family, as given by family tradi- 
tion, is derived from Dolor Davis, who was in Cambridge, Mass., in 
1634, through his eldest son, John. Dolor Davis, second of tlie name, 
and son of John, married, Aug. 3, 1681, Hannah Lynnell, and settled in 
Barnstable. Among his children was Thomas, who was born Aug., 1687. 
Jabez Davis, son of Thomas, was the father of Solomon, of Falmouth, 
Mass., among whose children was Sylvanus. 

There is some reason to believe that, while this genealogy is accurate 
in the main, it cannot be implicitly relied upon. No relationship is 
known to exist between this family and that of Sanford Davis, noticed 
below. 



Capt. Sylvanus Davis was born in Falmouth, Mass., 
May 2, 1756, and there married, Dec. 7, 1777. He 
removed to Gorham, and after a residence of some years 
came, about the year 181 5, to Farmington, wdiere he had 
previously purchased of Joseph Starling the south portion 
of the Moses Starling farm, situated at West Farmington, 
together with the saw and grist-mills located upon the 
Temple stream. These mills were operated by Capt. 
Davis and his sons for many years, and were long known 
as Davis' Mills. 

A communication before the writer says of Capt. Davis 
and his wife : "They were noted for their knowledge of 
the Bible, their purity of heart, and their Christian charac- 
ter." He was instantly killed in passing the spur-wheel 
in his mill, Dec. 24, 183 1. His first wife, Elizabeth, was 
b. Aug. 2, 1759, and d. in 1792. He md. (2), Dec. 14, 
1793, Katherine Smith, b. March 7, 1766 ; d. July g, 1837. 
Thirteen children : — 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 455 

I. Sy/vanus, b. July 6, 1780; d. Aii_s^. 13, 1799. 
II. Chloe, b. June 13, 1782 ; md. Alexander McLel- 
lan of Gorham ; d. June 6, 1813. 3 chil. 

III. Robinson, b. April 28, 1785 ; md., and resided in 

Whitefield ; d. Sept. 10, 1879. 

IV. * Ebenezer, b. April 19, 1788. 

V. Walter, b. March 23, 1790; d. May 10, 1790. 
VI. Edmund, b. May 10, 1792 ; d. July i, 1792. 

Second marriage : 

VII. * Charles, b Sept. 24, 1794. 

VIII. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 7, 1796; md., Nov. 6, 1817, 
Thomas W. Tobey, who was drowned by fall- 
ing from the Center bridge in the autumn of 
1822 ; his body was found the following spring, 
upon the shore of a farm near the Falls. 2 chil. 
Md. (2), in 1834, John S. Scales of Temple. 
Resides in Waldoborough. 3 chil. 
IX. Nathan Smith, b. Feb. 5, 1799; md., May, 1820, 
Mrs. Betsey (Cooper) Demick, who d. Jan., 
1834; md. (2), April 5, 1836 (pub.), Funice 
Bolan ; d. June 19, 1869. i child : 

I. Sarah Smith Davis, b. Sept. 5, 1822 ; 
md., Oct. 16, 1845, Abiel Abbott, 
who d. March 21, 1884. Resides in 
Watertown, Mass. 3 chil. 

X. *Sylvanus, b. March 30, 180 1. 

XI. Caroline, b. Nov. 19, 1804; md., Sept., 1835, 
William Scales, who d. in Topeka, Kan., where 
she now resides. 4 chil. ; all d. 
XII. Abner, b. Jan. 17, 1807 ; md., July 4, 1833, 
Harriet, dau. of Asa Butterfield, q. v. ; d. in 
Waldoborough, March 28, 1846. 4 chil. 
XIII. Thomas Cifcart, b. Sept. 8, 1809 ; md., and d. in 
Topeka, Kan. 3 chil. 



Ebenezer Davis was b. in Barnstable, Mass., and 
removed with his father to Gorham, where he md., April 
22, 1809, Betsey McLellan, who was b. Nov. 7, 1790; d. 
Sept. 19, 1873. He came to Farmington about 1815, 
where he pursued the occupation of a saddle and harness- 
maker. His death was caused by falling upon the ice 
from a pier of the Center bridge, Dec. 30, 183 1. Nine 
children : — 

I. * Thomas McLellan, b. June 7, 18 10. 
II. Elizabeth Demick, b. Feb. 19, 1812 ; md., Nov. 8, 
1832, Moses Butterfield, Jr., q. v. ; d. March 
16, 1861. 



456 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



i8 
19 



23 
24 

(8) 



25 
26 

27 
28 
29 



V. 



VI 



VII. 



III. Mary Ann, b. Dec. i, 1815 ; md., Sept. 9, 1845, 
Aaron Chandler. 2 chil. 

IV, Sylvanus D., b. March 19, 1818; md., Dec. 12, 

1842, Mary Ann, dau. of Moses Butterfield, 
g. V. Resides in Phillips. 3 chil. 

Robinson Alexander, b. Oct. 8, 1820 ; md., Feb. 22, 

1848, Abby J. Baker. Resides in California. 

2 chil. 
David Strout, b. Sept. 22, 1822 ; md. Mrs. Mary 

Ann Tucker of Boston, Mass., where he d. 

Feb. 21, 1879. 
Statira Citrtis, b, July 2, 1826; md., May 25, 185 1, 

Cyrus C, son of Abner Ramsdell, q. v. i dau, 
VIII. Belinda Dallerston, b. Sept. 20, 1829; d. June 16, 

1830. 
IX. Ebe?iezer, b. Aug. 28, 1832 ; d. Feb. 27, 1855 ; 

unmd. 

Charles Davis, a native of Gorham, came to this 
town with his father, and about 18 19 began trade in 
Phillips. He subsequently removed to West Farmington, 
where, and at Temple, he continued in business for sev- 
eral years. In the later years of his life, he devoted 
himself to his trade — that of a carpenter. Mr. Davis was 
admitted to the Congregational Church in 18 17, and 
remained an exemplary member until his death, which 
occurred Dec. 23, 1873. ^^ "^d., Dec. 7, 18 18, Sophia 
Augusta, dau. of Henry Stewart, q. v., who d. March 31, 
1858. He md. (2), Nov. 14, i860, Louisa Carsley, who d. 
Feb. 15, 1880, aged 78 years. Eight children : — 

I. Chloe McLellan, b. Oct. 3, 1819 ; md., June 27, 

1843, John W. Piper; d. Nov. 15, 1846. i 
child : 

I. Harry Stewart Piper, b. Mar. 7, 1844; 

md., Apr. 23, 1870, Eliza J. Gordon 

Prescott. Resides in South Boston, 

Mass. ; s. p. 

11. Lucy Church, b. Apr. 6, 1821 ; md., Nov. 22, 1842, 

John D. N. Goodwin of Gardiner ; d. Feb. 4, 

1845. I child : 

I. Lucy Sophia Goodwin, b. Dec. 23, 1844; 

md., April 30, 1866, Edwood T. 

Hatch ; d. March 22, 1878. 3 chil. 

III. Sophia Stewart, b. Feb. 18, 1823 ; md., Nov. 25, 

1847, ^^- Edwin Ellis ; d. April 6, 1849. -^'^ 

second wife was Martha Baker of New Sharon. 

April 17, 1854, Dr. Ellis left Farmington for 

St. Paul, Minn., where he remained a year 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 457 

and then removed to Ashland, Wis., his present 
residence. He has done much to increase the 
prosperity of that town, from its settlement, 
and is regarded as one of its greatest bene- 
factors. J child : 

I. Augusta Sophia Ellis, b. April i, 1849 ; 
md., Aug. 5, 1874, George H. Ken- 
nedy. Resides at Port Arthur, Can- 
ada. 2 chil. 
IV. *Charles Henry, b. July 4, 1825. 
V. Isabel Mariah, b. Sept. 16, 1827 ; d. Aug. 12, 

1830. 
VI. * Alexander Hamilto7i Stewart, ] u a 'i q 
VII. *Hiram Belcher Stoyell, \ ^- ^P'" 3' '^-54- 

VIII. Marcia Catherine Stewart, b. June 27, 1840; md., 
April 17, i860, Charles M. Heath, q .v., who d. 
Dec. 31, 1861, Md. (2), March 16, 1864, 
George H. Knapp, b. in Livermore, Oct. 29, 
1837. 2 chil. : 

1. Charles Melvin Heath, b. March 18, 

1861. 
Second marriage : 

2. Helen Marcia Knapp, b. Oct. 8, 1866. 



Sylvanus Davis came from Gorham, his native town, 
to Farmington while yet a boy, and upon the death of his 
father succeeded to the paternal estate. He operated the 
mills until 1836, when they became the property of 
Butterfield and Witham. Mr. Davis was a Congregation- 
alist in religious belief, and his Christianity gave shape to 
his character as exhibited in his daily life. He md., Dec. 
I, 183 1, Jane Carsley, b. at Portland, Aug. 3, 1806. He 
d. Oct. 29, 1853, and she md. (2), July 2, 1855, Stillman 
Tarbox; d. May 2, 1883. ^Five children : — 

I. Franklin Carsley, b. Jan. 14, 1833. Received his 
preparatory education at the Academy, and 
graduated from Bowdoin College in the class 
of 1856. He taught school more or less 
during his preparatory and college course, and 
after his graduation was employed as preceptor 
of Foxcroft Academy. He studied law under 
the direction of Hon. Robert Goodenow of 
Farmington, and B. A. G. Fuller of Augusta. 
In i860 Mr. Davis went to Philadelphia to 
reside, and very soon issued a book known as 
" Davis' Business Guide," which obtained con- 
siderable celebrity. Upon the breaking out of 
the Rebellion in 1861, he entered the Federal 



458 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

army from Pennsylvania as lieutenant of 3d 
Penn. Cavalry, and served three years and a 
half, when he was captured, after a most 
gallant defense, while on picket duty, and con- 
fined in Libby prison for seventy-three days. 
The exposure and privations undergone at 
this time, were the primary causes of his 
untimely death, March 25, 1870. Lieut. Davis 
participated in the battles of Yorktown, Wil- 
liamsburg, Hanover Court-House, Fair Oaks, 
Seven Days, and South Mountain. During 
the campaign before Richmond, Gen, McClel- 
lan found it necessary to open communication, 
through the Rebel lines, with the Federal gun- 
boats on James River, fifteen miles distant. 
Lieut, Davis, with a small party under his 
command, was detailed to perform this hazard- 
ous undertaking, and was eminently successful, 
as the following complimentary testimonial 



39 



Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 
May 27, 1862. 
Lieut. F. C. Davis, 

3d Penn. Cavalry. 
Sir : 

I am instructed by the Major-General Com- 
manding to express to you his thanks for the 
very discreet, prompt, and satisfactory manner 
in which you and the small party under your 
command performed the important duty as- 
signed to you by Colonel Averell, of commu- 
nicating with the conunander of the Gunboats 
on James River. 

I am, very respectfully. 

Your Obt. Servt., 

R. B. MARCY, 
Chief of Staffs. 

Edward Payson, b. Feb. 10, 1834. Entered the 
army from Colorado, and remained three years, 
receiving an honorable discharge. Upon his 
return to Franklin County, he was appointed 
deputy sheriff, and afterwards served the town 
as its representative to the legislature. He 
resides upon what is known as the " Gen. 
Russell" farm. He md,, Dec. 20, 1875, Mrs. 
Catherine J. P. (Martin) Pierce, b. in Grafton, 
Mass., Jan, 25, 1832. 




cr-f. I 




ai-iyj 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



459 



III. Ann Louisa, b. Dec. 5, 1835 ; mcl., Aug. 30, 1853, 

Leonard E. Craig. Resides in Knoxville, 
Tenn. i child : 

I. Ada J. L. Craig, b. Feb. 20, 1857 ; nid.. 
Feb. 22, 1876, Thomas Melvin Mich- 
aels of Richmond, Va. 2 chil. 

IV. Sylvanus Augustus, b. Mar. 9, 1841. Enlisted in 

Co. A, nth Reg. Me. Vols., and served faith- 
fully during the term of his enlistment. A 
writer says of him : " He was active in the 
tield, noted in the camp, and beloved in the 
hospital." He d. Oct. 10, 187 1. 
V. Catherine Sproul, b. Oct. 16, 185 1; d. Dec. 3, 
1864. 



Thomas McL. Davis was born in Saco, and came to 
this town a lad with his father. He is by trade a black- 
smith, a vocation he followed for many years, afterwards 
going into mercantile business at West Farmington. Mr. 
Davis is an industrious man, and has the faculty of hon- 
estly making all his business operations result in pecuniary 
success. He md., Jan. 22, 1840, Lavinia, dau. of Col. 
James Butterfield, q. v. Five children : — 

I. Ellen Laughton, b. Feb. 16, 1841 ; md., Oct. 7, 

1866, Nathan Pinkham of Quincy, 111. 
IT. Julia Buttcrjield, b. Dec. 8, 1845 ' ^n^-' A*-'g- 4i 
1875, William S. King of Boston, Mass. i 
child. 

III. L2icia Augusta, b. Sept. 6, 1847 ' "^'^- Nov. 26, 

1868, Edward K. Sweet of Quincy, 111. 3 chil. 

IV. Hattie Becchcr, b. Mar. 27, 1853. 
V. Thomas, b. Oct. 9, 1856. 

Charles Henry Davis, eldest son of Charles Davis, 
resides at West Farmington, and is a carpenter bv trade. 
He has been for many years in the employ of the Maine 
Central R. R. Co. as superintendent of the erection and 
construction of bridges. He md., Dec. 25, 18 qo, p^lvira 
Stamford, b. in Gardiner, Oct. 30, 1S26. Two children : — 

I. Joseph Horatio, b. Oct. 15, 1851 ; md., Aug. 28, 

1880, Susan Jane Lowell. 
II. Charles Elvah, b. Jan. 18, 1855, 



Alexander H. S. Davis received his education at the 
Farmington Academy, and learned the trade of a printer 
at Augusta, where he was engaged in the newspaper 
business for some time. In April, 1862, he was appointed 



460 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



5^ 

(34) 



52 



Paymaster's clerk in the U. S. Army, serving in that 
capacity through the war of the Rebellion, and afterwards 
holding an important Government position at Washington, 
D. C. In June, 1869, he purchased of Andrew C. Phillips 
the Farmington Chronicle, and became its editor, conduct- 
ing the paper with much ability, gaining the confidence of 
the community. In May, 1877, he was appointed foreman 
of the Government Printing-Office at Washington, D. C., 
where he has since resided. Mr. Davis was a delegate to 
the National Republican Convention held in Philadelphia 
in 1872, He md., in Charlestown, Mass., Nov. 4, 1859, 
Emma Gardner, dau. of Gilbert and Susan G. (Corey) 
PuUen, b. at Augusta, June 14, 1841. One child : — 

I. Gertrude Blanche, b. Feb. 5, 1875. 



Hiram B. S. Davis was a resident of Farmington for 
many years, but some time since removed to California. 
He md., June 24, i860, Susan Baker Macomber, who d. 
June 15, 1879. She was the daughter of John Macomber 
(b. at Westport, Mass., May 31, 1782,) and Abigail Miller 
(b. at Dartmouth, Mass., Feb. 26, 1785,) who removed to 
Wilton in 1812. Two children : — 

I. I^red Hiram Miller, b. Nov. 20, 1861. 
II. Lena Elviina Macomber, b. May 24, 1867. 



Sanford Davis, a native of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., 
came to the township in April, 1790. His first settlement 
was on a part of back-lot No. 6, east side, which he sold 
to Jeremiah Butler in 18 12. His second settlement was 
on the farm now owned by Benjamin Stanley, where he 
died, Oct. 19, 183 1, He was a Revolutionary soldier, and 
a pensioner for many years. His wife, Deborah Coffin, 
possessed much intellectual ability ; her death occurred 
Sept. 6, 1829. Six children : — 

I. Sally Cousens, b. July 13, 1791 ; md., June 13, 

1 816 (pub.), Ezra Allen Butler. 
II. Daniel, b. July 27, 1793; md., Aug. 9, 1823, 
Hannah Grant; d. Sept. 14, 1862. 

III. Deborah, b. May 19, 1796; md., Nov. 5, 1821 

(pub.), John Pratt. 

IV. Rebecca, b. Sept. 25, 1797 ; d. in 1826, unmd, 

V. Henry Harman, b. Mar. 19. 1801 ; d. in 1828, 

unmd. 
VI. David, b. Dec. 23, 1802 ; was a prominent teacher 
and lawyer in Edgartown, Mass.; md., Sept. 
28, 1827 (pub.), Hannah Marchant ; md. (2), 
in 1845, Octavia, dau. of Zenas Backus, q. v. ; 
d. Nov. 6, 1868. 5 chil. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



461 



The name of Eames has long been extinct in Farmington. Only one 
person bearing this name settled in the township, and that at an early 
date. What has been learned in regard to his family is given below, but 
the writer has failed to ascertain anything of the Eames ancestry which 
is free from doubt. 



Samuel Eames, in 1788, was the first settler on front- 
lot No. 13, west side, where he made some improvements, 
afterwards selling the front portion of this lot to Reuben 
Lowell, Jr. He subsequently erected buildings on the 
back part of his land, and resided there during life. Mr. 
Eames was a highly respected citizen, modest and unas- 
suming in his manners. He was b. July 28, 1762 ; md. 
Sarah, dau. of Reuben Lowell, q. v., who d. Aug. 12, 1794; 
md. (2), Mar. 10, 1796, Thankful Hawkes of New Sharon, 
b. Sept. 18, 1767. Eleven children: — 

I. Satnuel, b. May 7, 1787. Settled in Wilton. 
II. Jacob, b. Oct. i, 1789 ; md. Sarah, dau. of Joshua 
B. Lowell, q. V. 
Hannah, b. Nov. 27, 1791 ; d. Mar. 21, 1794. 
DanieL b. May 8, 1794; d, Oct. 17, 1794. 

Second marriage : 

v. Joseph, b. July 29, 1798 ; md., Mar. 4, 1824 (pub.), 

C}Tena Gould. 
VI. Daniel, b. May 12, 1800; md., Apr. 10, 1823, 

Sarah, dau. of Reuben Butterfield, q. v. She 

d. Mar. 24, 1885. 
Manley, b. Aug. 8, 1803; md., Aug. 27, 1840 

(pub.), Ann Caroline Davis. 
Hafinah, b. Oct. 18, 1805 ; d. unmd. 
John, b. about 1808; d. unmd. 
Abigail, b. about 181 1 ; d. unmd. 
Louisa, b. about 1813; d. unmd. 



III. 

IV. 



VII. 



9 


VIII. 


10 


IX. 


1 1 


X. 


12 


XI. 



Five immigrants bearing the name of Eaton are known to have come 
to New England prior to 1640. From John and Anne Eaton, who were 
residents of Colchester, now Salisbury, Mass., as early as 1640, the 
Jacob Eaton family of Farmington is descended. John Eaton, eldest of 
the two sons of John and Anne Eaton, was born in England in 1619, and 
succeeded to his father's estate in Salisbury. He was a cooper by trade, 
and married Martha Rowlandson, by whom he had ten children. Joseph, 
the eiglith child of John and Martha Eaton, was born Mar. i, 1661, and 
married, Dec. 14, 1683, Mary French. He seems to have been a man of 



59 



462 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



some prominence in Salisbury, and was captain of militia. He died Jan. 
13) 1743- The youngest of the ten children of Joseph and Mary Eaton, 
was Jacob, who was born April 16, 1703. He was a resident of Topsham 
as early as 1730, and married Sarah Malcom. Jacob and Sarah Eaton 
are known to have had three sons, the eldest of whom was Jacob, noticed 
below. 



Jacob Eaton. Among the pioneer settlers who first 
came to the valley of the Sandy River, there is no one 
whose character stands out in bolder outline, nor whose 
name is surrounded with more of personal history, than 
Jacob Eaton. 

Mr. Eaton was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born at 
Pemaquid proper, now Bristol, in this State, Apr. 8, 1741, 
O. S. He was by trade a ship-carpenter, and during his 
residence in Bristol spent his time in the ship-yard or in 
the coasting-trade. Prof. Johnson, in his History of Bris- 
tol, pp. 368, 369, says : " Jacob Eaton, Jr., was elected one 
of the selectmen, and afterwards tilled several important 
trusts, and his name is mentioned in the act of incorpora- 
tion." 

Mr. Eaton, at the very beginning of the Revolutionary 
War, was captured by the enemy, and taken to England 
with Joseph Berry of Topsham. All that is known of his 
capture and escape is contained in the following joint 
petition (Mass. Archives, Vol. 180, No. 281) of Eaton and 
Berry for aid, addressed to the Massachusetts Legislature, 
then in session, and dated Jan. 8, 1776. In it they afifirni 
" they were taken by men-of-war belonging to Britain, viz. : 
the said Eaton, the 5th day of November, 1775, and the 
said Berry, in August, 1775, and brought into the Port of 
Boston ; afterwards they were put on board the Boyne 
man-of-war, to help work her home to England ; and they 
say they arrived safely in Plymouth, and from thence your 
petitioners ran away and got to P'rance, where they entered 
on board a Continental vessel bound for America ; that 
they were taken ofT the capes of Philadelphia, and carried 
into New York. From New York they got to New Haven, 
and there obtained a pass home. And your petitioners, 
being now two hundred miles from home, without money 
or clothing, and being now in their own State, from which 
they were taken, and having lived upon charity ever since 
they left New York, humbly pray your honors would be 
pleased to take their distressed case into your compassion- 
ate consideration, and grant them a supply of money and 
clothing to get home to their families, or to relieve them 
in such other way as your honors in your known wisdom 
shall see fit." What action, it any, was taken upon this 
petition is not known. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 463 

In 1783 Mr. Eaton, in company with his brother Joseph, 
first came to the Sandy River township; he negotiated for 
the mill-lot on the west side of the river, the same upon 
which the village at West Farmington is now situated, 
made a chopping, and returned to Bristol. The mill-lot, 
in the original survey of the township, was located more 
than double the width of the other river-lots, being one 
hundred and fifty rods in width and three hundred rods 
long, " and to include the mill privilege " on what is now 
known as the Temple Stream. In the spring of the next 
year he again visited the township in company with his 
brother Joseph, cleared the land upon which he had felled 
the trees the year before, and sowed it to rye. He also 
made another chopping, and built a log-house, preparatory 
to the removal of his family to the township, which took 
place during the autumn of this year. The family at this 
time consisted of twelve persons, viz. : Jacob Eaton and 
his wife, William Thorn, father of Mrs. Eaton, Joseph 
Eaton, and eight children. Judge Parker, in his brief 
History of Farmington, alludes to Mr. Thorn as an elderly 
gentleman who came with Mr. Eaton's family, and died 
Sept. 15, 1786, aged 82, being the first death of an adult 
in the township. He was buried in the old burying- 
ground upon the elevated ground east of the Center 
bridge, where " the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." 
Mr. Thorn was from Topsham, where he suffered severely 
in the French and Indian war of 1755, losing an arm. In 
1745 his son Thomas, when ten years of age, was scalped 
by the Indians, and died in 1756. His wife, Martha 
Thorn, died in 1767, before the family removed to the 
township, aged 54. 

Mr. Eaton, in company with his brother, purchased the 
grist-mill and saw-mill, together with the privilege, which 
had been erected upon the mill-lot by Colburn and Pullen, 
and put in operation in November, 1781. They at once 
built a new dam, and put the mills, with their appurte- 
nances, in good order for milling purposes. The settlers 
assisted very generously by their labor in the furtherance 
of the enterprise; for, as before they had frequently been 
obliged to go to Winthrop to have their grain grovmd, they 
hailed the erection of a grist-mill as the harbinger of better 
days. Mr. Eaton seemed very prosperous in his under- 
taking. He saw his broad acres teeming with luxuriant 
crops, and his flocks and herds increasing from year to 
year, while plenty smiled around him. The township was 
settling rapidly, and his mills were liberally patronized, 
but amidst all this prosperity he was restive and discon- 
tented ; he seemed to sigh for the sea, upon which and 
around which he had spent so large a portion of his life. 



464 



HISTORY OF FARMFNGTON. 



So, with a view to gratifying this desire, he conceived the 
plan of building a vessel, and in the autumn and early 
winter of 1790-91 he laid the keel of a small vessel at 
what is now Farmington Falls, a point, following the 
course of rivers, some fifty miles from navigable waters. 
In the early summer of 1791 the vessel was completed 
and ready to launch. This little craft was christened the 
Lark. Tradition says the sails for the Lark were made 
from duck, spun and woven by Mrs. Eaton from flax 
grown upon the mill-lot, and that the rigging was made 
from flax by Jesse Butte rfield. On the 14th of June, 
1 79 1, everything being in readiness, Mr. Eaton, as master, 
with a crew of three men, cast off from the shore, and the 
little Lark, impelled by the current, glided down the river 
like a thing of life, destined for the port of St. John, N. B. 

During the voyage Mr. Eaton kept a daily journal, of 
which the following is an extract : " Journal with remarks 
upon it of a voyage to the eastward with the little Lark of 
Sandy River. Begun on the 14th of June, 1791. Left 
Sandy River, our crew consisting of four persons, viz. : 
Hugh Cox, Jacob Eaton, William Gower, and Ebenezer 
Jones; left Tufts' Mills, our wives crying upon the bank, 
strange unwillingness, willing and not willing to part with 
their husbands. However, we proceeded down the river; 
we got down to Jones' rips, where we had a hard spell 
getting down the rips. We got that night to Mr. Young's; 
he was gone from home. We found four children, but 
they were almost naked. There was a sled walled into 
the house, which the children had for a bedstead. A little 
straw was laid between the sides for their lodging. He 
had on a leather jacket, and Mrs. Young was ordinarily 
clad : they lodged on straw. When Mr. Young came to 
strip himself to go to bed, we found he had little shirt on, 
and his wife less. The next day we proceeded down the 
rips." 

The journal continues to the end of the voyage, narrat- 
ing with great minuteness the adventures of the party, and 
the difficulties experienced in passing Five-Mile Rips and 
Skowhegan Falls. It is written in a legible hand, but the 
ink is so pale as to render the reading somewhat difficult. 

The writer is inclined to think that the parties named 
in the journal as constituting the crew should be regarded 
as partners in the enterprise, for upon one of its pages is 
a schedule of articles which each contributed to the outfit 
of the Lark, together with the general expenses of the 
voyage. The cost of the outfit amounts to ;^39 17s. 4d., 
and the general expenses to £\ 17s. iid., making an 
aggregate of ^44 15s. 3d. It seems they landed at St. 
John, N. B., early in July, and commenced trading and 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 465 

freighting between St. John and the numerous islands 
which dot tlie Bay of Fundy, occasionally making a trip 
up the river. Their business was attended with varying 
success until Friday, the i8th of November, 1791, when, 
in passing the Falls of St. John, and taking the tide at the 
wrong time, the little Lark went to the bottom of the Bay, 
and Mr. Eaton to a watery grave. 

While a resident of the township, Mr. Eaton did much 
to develop its resources. The new settlers were always 
greeted with a smile at his house, with the latch-string 
upon the outside, and a cordial welcome waiting at the 
fireside. He md., Nov. 27, 1764, Elizabeth, dau. of Will- 
iam Thorn of Topsham, b. Dec. 29, 1740, O. S.; d. Mar. 
15, 1804. Eight children, b. in Bristol: — 

I. Sarah, b. Sept. 6, 1765 ; md., 1788, Ezekiel Lan- 
caster of New Sharon; d. Oct. 4, 1839. ^^• 
Lancaster was b. in Rowley, Mass., in 1758; 
d. Oct. 16, 1836. 7 chil. 
II. Martha, b. Apr. 11, 1770; md.. Mar. 15, 1796, 
Joseph Fairbanks, q. v.\ d. Sept. 17, 1842. 

III. Hannah, b. Apr. 8, 1772 ; md.. May 4, 1797, 

Joshua Perley. Removed to Ohio in 1801, 
and d. May, 1803. Mr. Perley was b. Aug. 7, 
1770; d. Jan. I, 1859. 3 chil. 

IV. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 6, 1774; md., Feb. 6, 1795, 

Thomas Wendell, q. v.; d. June 17, 1843. 
V. Robert, b. Feb. 16, 1776; md., Apr. i, 1800, 
Rachel, dau. of Moses Starling, q. v. He 
removed to Portage Co., Ohio, where he d. 
Several children. 
VI. Rachel, b. Oct. 10, 1778; md., Nov. 21, 1799, 

Jabez Gay, q. v.; d. Nov. 13, 1857. 
vii. * Isaac, b. Nov. 10, 1780. 
VIII. * Jacob, b. July 12, 1784. 



Isaac Eaton accompanied his brother, Robert, and 
brother-in-law, Joshua Perley, to Ohio in 1801, but re- 
turned in 1803, leaving a sovereign State where: he had 
found a territory. He settled on a lot in the northeast 
part of the town, being the farm now (1885) occupied by 
Eugene Luce. In 1833 he sold his farm and removed to 
the Fairbanks village, where he spent the remainder of his 
life. He md., June 2, 1808, Mary Lyon of Readfield, b. 
Dec. 22, 1787. He d. July 31, 1867 ; Mrs. Eaton d. Aug. 
31, 1862. Eight children : — 

I. Emeline, b. Mar. 9, 1809 ; md., June 29, 1830, 
Nathan Goodridge of Lidustry ; d. Apr. 25, 
1878; he d. Oct. I, 187 I. 4 chil. 



466 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



13 
15 



16 

(9) 



19 



20 
21 



23 

(M) 

24 

25 
26 

27 
28 

(17) 



II. Rachel Lyon, b. May 4, 1810; md., Jan. 31, 1842, 
Joseph Fairbanks, Jr., q. v.\ d. Sept. 10, 1844, 
s.p. 
III. Mary An?i, b. Aug. 27, 1812 ; md., Dec. 25, 1837, 
William Reed of Strong; d. at Hennepin, 111., 
Dec. 27, 1867. I son. 
Greenwood, b. Sept. 15, 181 5 ; d. in childhood. 
*Eliab Lyon, b. Aug. 15, 18 18. 
Susan Wendell, b. Jan. 12, 182 1 ; md., Oct. 13, 
1850, Truman A. Allen of Vineyard Haven, 
Mass. I son. 
Louisa Carsley, b. Dec. 31, 1822; d. Aug. 25, 
1825. 
VIII. *LIoratio Greenwood, b. June 25, 1828. 



IV. 

V. 

VI. 



VII. 



Jacob Eaton, Jr., settled on a farm adjoining that of 
his brother Isaac, being the same now occupied by Hosea 
Bump, which he made his home for life. Mr. Eaton md., 
Eeb. 16, 1805, Abigail, dau. of Joseph Bradford, q. v.; md. 
(2), Apr. 26, 181 4 (pub.), Mary, dau. of Wendell Davis of 
New Vineyard. She was b. 1792 ; d. Aug. 16, 1858. Mr. 
Eaton d. Oct. 19, 1825. Six children: — 

I, Lyman, b. Mar. 8, 1808 ; md. Resides in Orono. 
II. Martha, b. Jan. i, 1812 ; md. a Whitehouse ; d. 

Second marriage : 

III. * Wendell Davis, b. Aug. 15, 1815. 

IV. Mary Smith, b. Mar. 22, 1817 ; md., Nov. 5, 

1839, John Bullen. 2 chil. 
V. Eliza Ann, b. June 28, 1819; md., Dec. 8, 1840, 
Henry Beetle of Vineyard Haven; d. July 15, 
1872. 4 chil. 
VI. Abigail, b. May 10, 1822, Resides at Vineyard 
Haven. Unmd. 



Eliab L. Eaton lived for a time on the homestead 
farm, but removed to Manchester about 1858, where he 
now resides. He md., Feb. 20, 185 1, Julia Wendell, dau. 
J. Leonard and Abigail (Wendell) Hackett of New Vine- 
yard, who was b. Oct. 27, 1828. Five children : — 

I. Louise Lyon, b. Jan. 4, 1852 ; md., Dec. 23, 1882, 

Abner C. Jewett of Augusta. 
II. LLiram A., b. June 2, 1853. 

III. Greenwood P., b. May 22, 1858. 

IV. M. Abbie, b. Apr. 7, 1862. 
V. Charles G., b. Feb. 2, 1866. 



Horatio G. Eaton formerly owned and operated the 
saw-mill at Fairbanks' Mills, where he now lives. He 
md., July 25, 1850, Hannah R., dau. of Benjamin and 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



467 



Martha (Perley) Whitmore, b. in Strong, July 10, 1828. 
Five children : — 

I. Aura Genevieve^ b. Mar. 15, 1852. 
II. Clarence Melvin, b. Nov. 8, 1853; mcL, June 11, 
1880, Alice M. Chick of New Port land. Re- 
sides at Fairbanks, i child : 

I. Florence Genevieve Eaton, b. Oct. 3, 
1881. 

III. Florence E7nma, b. Sept. 25, 1857. 

IV. Stella Marion, b. July 15, i860; d. Dec. 17, 1869. 
v. Infant daughter, b. and. d. Oct. 3, 187 1. 



Wendell Davis Eaton spent his life as a farmer, first 
upon the homestead, and later upon the Alexander Hill- 
man farm. Here he d., June 8, 1867. He md., Dec. 29, 
1842, Hannah S., dau. of Elihu Norton, who survives him. 
Four children : — 

I. * Oliver Davis, b. Jan, 11, 1844. 
II. *Jacob Ehhu, b. July 23, 1845. 

III. Mary Fletcher, b. Dec. 15, 1847 ; 'n<^l-> March 4, 

1875, E. M. Preston, i child. 

IV. Lizzie Norton, b. April 21, 1854; md., June 30, 

1883, J. A. Tilton. 



Oliver D. Eaton enlisted in the War of the Rebellion, 
and after his discharge went into business in New York 
City, where he resides. He md., Nov. 13, 1864, Emilie 
F. Bulkley of New York. Three children : — 
I . Flore tt ce Emily, b . Jan. 2 , 1866. 
II. Elsie Bulkley, b. Jan. 10, 1869. 
III. John Oliver, b. Feb. 24, 187 1. 



Jacob E. Eaton first lived upon the homestead, but 
removed to New Vineyard, and subsequently to Jay, where 
he now resides. He md., April 6, 1876, Ella M. Fales. 
Four children : — 

I. Lester Davis, b. July 28, 1877. 

II. Clarence Ellery, b. April 20. 1879. 

III. Arthur Garfield, b. Jan. 8, 1881. 

IV. KenJieth Fales, b. Dec. 24, 1882. 



3^atrbonk5. 



This name, formerly spelled Fairbanke, Farebancke, Fairbanck 
Fayrebaiikes, and Fairebanks, is one well known throughout New Eno-. 
land, and has been represented in all the principal wars since the settle, 
ment of the country. The bearers of the name have exhibited a marked 
character of their own for integrity, industry, and economy, and have 
generally been good and patriotic citizens. 

As early as 1635 the name of Richard Fairbanke appears on the town 



468 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

records of Boston, and in 1639 he is appointed the first postmaster of 
Boston; he is also recorded as a land-owner in the Boston Book of 
Possessions. According to family tradition, he was the brother of 
Jonathan Farebancke, the emigrant ancestor of Nathaniel and Benjamin 
Fairbanks, who came to Winthrop in 1766-67. Jonathan Farebancke 
emigrated from Sowerby, near Halifax, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, 
England, in 1633, and probably resided in Boston until 1636, when he 
became an early settler at Dedham, Mass., and one of the sixty-eight 
original grantees of land in the town. During that year he began the 
erection of a large and substantial house, which still remains as an 
ancient landmark, and is known as " the Old Fairbanks House in Ded- 
ham." Jonathan Farebancke died Dec. 5, 1668. His will mentions 
"wife Grace," "eldest son John," "second son George," and other 
children. John married, March 16, 1641, Sarah Fisher, and died Nov. 
13, 1684. His wife died Nov. 26, 1683. From George and his wife 
Mary, the Vermont family of this name (of which Thaddeus Fairbanks, 
the inventor of Fairbanks scales, is a member) traces its descent. 
Joseph, the seventh child of John and Sarah Fairbanck, was born May 
10, 1656, and died June 14, 1734. The Dedham records show two 
children born to him and his wife Dorcas: Dorcas, born March 14, 
1686, who married, May 20, 1714, James Humfery of Dorchester; and 
Joseph, born April 26, 1687, who married, May 3, 1716, Abigail Dean. 
Joseph, the eldest son of Joseph and Abigail Fairbanks, was born in 
Dedham, May 21, 1717. He spent the greater portion of his life in 
Massachusetts, but with his wife Frances came to spend their last days 
with their sons in Winthrop. Benjamin, the eldest, settled in the 
eastern part of the town, and became a prominent citizen. He served 
through the Revolutionary War, and was familiarly called " Captain Ben." 
He was born Nov. 20, 1747 (Dedham town records), and married, Oct. 
29, 1772, Keturah, daughter of Joseph and Deborah Luce of Martha's 
Vineyard, Mass. He died May 23, 1828, and his wife died April 7, 1807. 
Their son Joseph, of whom mention is made below, was born July 24, 
1774. Nathaniel, a younger brother of Benjamin Fairbanks, was also an 
early settler of Winthrop and a soldier in the War for Independence. 
He was identified with the history of the town for many years, and was 
much employed in public affairs. He held various offices of responsi- 
bility and trust, and repeatedly represented the town in the General 
Court of Massachusetts. His second wife, who was the daughter of 
Jacob and Anna Chipman of Halifax, Mass., was born Jan. 11, 1767, and 
died August 23, 1855. He was born July 15, 1754, and died March 27, 
1838. They were the parents of four children: Columbus, Franklin, 
Susan, and George. The two latter are still living. 



Joseph Fairbanks {iiide page 296), the eldest child of 
Benjamin and Keturah (Luce) Fairbanks, came to the 
township in 1792, when only eighteen years of age, and 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 469 

" took up" a part of back-lot No. 28, east side, now owned 
by the Norton brothers. Here he cleared land, erected 
buildings, and set out the first orchard in the settlement. 
He subsequently sold his farm to Timothy Smith from 
Martha's Vineyard, Mass., and purchased the Eaton farm 
on the west side of the river. In 1808 he removed to the 
north part of the town, and built the mills known as 
Fairbanks' Mills. Col. Fairbanks was a man of energy, 
and actively prosecuted any enterprise which he under- 
took. In addition to milling and mercantile pursuits, he 
cultivated farms, not only in this town, but also in Free- 
man and Berlin. He dealt largely in buying and selling 
stock, frequently driving cattle to the City of Quebec 
for sale, before the Canada road was opened. 

He held various offices in the militia of the State, and 
commanded the first regiment in the War of 1812, Col. 
Fairbanks was selectman in 181 7-1 8-19-20-2 1, treasurer 
in 18 1 5-1 6-1 7, representative to the General Court of 
Massachusetts, as ihe colleague of Nathan Cutler, in 18 19, 
and senator from the Kennebec district to the legislature 
in 1823-24. His death was caused by falling from his 
wagon, Sept. 12, 1831, while driving from Augusta to 
Farmington with a load of merchandise. 

He md., March 15, 1796, Martha, dau. of Jacob Eaton, 
q. v., who d. Sept. 17, 1842. Seven children : — 

I. Joseph, b. Feb. 14, 1798; was selectman in 1824- 
25-26-36-39 ; was also captain of the North 
Company of Infantry, and exerted a salutary 
influence in promoting the cause of tempe- 
rance among his soldiers. He had charge of 
the grist-mill at the Fairbanks village for nearly 
forty years, and well deserved the soubriquet 
of " honest miller." He was distinguished for 
his genial disposition and uncompromising 
integrity. Md., Jan. 31, 1842, Rachel Lyon, 
dau. of Isaac Eaton, q. v., who d. Sept. 10, 
1844; md. (2), Nov., 185 1, Martha, dau. of 
Abel and Martha K. (White) Sampson of 
Temple, who d. March 16, 188 1, aged 69 
years. He d. Jan. 8, 1871 ; s. p. 
II. Robert Eaton, b. July 14, 1800; md., Nov.. 29, 
182 1, Mary Bangs ; d. April 19, 1871. Settled 
in Phillips, 
in. Hannah, b. July 5, 1802 ; d. Sept. 2, 1804. 
IV. Abigail, b. July 31, 1804; d. March 25, 1822. 

V. Shepard, b. Aug. 31, 1806 ; d. Feb. 10, 1826. 
VI. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 2, 1808; md., October, 1833, 
Allen Bangs ; d. Sept. 28, 1850. 



60 



470 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



lO 

II 

12 

14 



VII. Rachel Gay, b. Sept. 27, 18 12 ; md., Sept.. 1833, 
Jeremiah Butler, Jr., q. v. ; d. Jan. 25, 1850. 



Joseph Woodman Fairbanks {vide page 302), third 
son of Columbus and Lydia Wood Fairbanks, was born at 
Winthrop, Nov. 16, 182 1. His father (b. Nov. 7, 1793 ; d. 
Sept. 7, 1882) was the son of Nathaniel and Lydia (Chip- 
man) Fairbanks, and a much esteemed citizen of Winthrop. 
His mother (b. May 22, 1797 ; d. May 10, 185,9) ^'^^ the 
daughter of Seth and Agnes (Woodman) link ham of 
Wiscasset, and granddaughter of Joseph and Agnes Tink- 
ham of Middleborough, Mass. iVlr. Fairbanks md., Oct. 
14, 1852, Susan Evelina, dau. of Hiram Belcher, q. v., who 
d. Nov. 8, 1875. He md. (2), Oct. 25, 1876, Henrietta F. 
S., dau. of Samuel and Florena (Sweet) Wood 01 \A'inthrop, 
and granddaughter of Elijah and Sally (Clifford) Wood. 
Five children : — 

I. Infant daughter, b. July 4, 1854; d. July 4. 1854. 

II. Mittie Belcher, b. Aug. 24, 1855. 

III. Efuily Talbot, b. July 6, 1857 ; d. June 7, 186 1. 

IV, Charlotte Belcher, b. June 5, 1859. 

V. Wallace Joseph, b. Jan. 19, 1868; d. May 3, 1874. 



In tracing the genealogy of the families of this name, it is found that 
four immigrants came to this country prior to 1650, viz.: two brothers, 
Thomas and William Flint, who settled in that part of Salem now Dan- 
vers ; and Thomas and Henry Flint, also brothers, one of whom settled 
in Concord, the other in Braintree. Dr. Thomas Flint of Farmington 
was the sixth in descent from Thomas of Salem, through a line of sons 
each of whom received the name of Thomas. Thomas Flint the ances- 
tor came to America, as tradition reports, from Wales in Great Britain. 
He was among the first settlers of Salem, and a land-owner in 1654. He 
died Apr. 15, 1663. His wife's name was Ann, and of their six children, 
Thomas, the eldest, lived upon the homestead. His name was identified 
with the military organizations of the day, and he was regarded as a man 
of prominence and influence in the community. His first wife was 
Hannah Moulton, who died Mar. 30, 1673, leaving two children. He 
afterwards married, Sept. 15, 1674, Mary, daughter of William Dounton, 
and died May 24, 1721. Thomas, their eldest son, was born Aug. 20, 
1678, and married, Jan. 6, 1704, Lydia Putnam. Among their children 
was a son, Thomas, who became a resident of North Reading, and an 
original member of the church in that town. His wife was i^riscilla 
Porter, and they were the parents of six sons and five daughters. He 
died Jan. 34, 1775. His wife died Apr. 28, 1774. Thomas, the eldest 




y^^^^. 





GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



471 



child, was born in Nortii Reading, Mass., Oct. 8, 1733. He was a physi- 
cian by profession, and served as a surgeon in the Revolutionary War. 
He married, Sept. 16, 1762, Lydia Pope, and in 1770 removed to Noble- 
boro, where he died. 



Thomas Flint (vi(ie pages 282, 295), eldest son of Dr. 
Thomas and Lydia (Pope) Flint, was born in North Read- 
ing, Mass., Oct. 4, 1767, and came to the Sandy River 
valley in 1787. He was a prominent settler, and is re- 
corded as the first merchant in the township. He md., 
Aug. 2, 1792, Sarah Bassett, dau. of Ebenezer Norton, 
^. v., who d. Aug. 4, 1833. His death occurred Feb. 18, 
1854. Nine children : — 

I. Thomas, b. May r8, 1793 ; enlisted as a drummer 
in the war of 18 12, and d. in New York State, 
Nov. 5, 1813. 
n. Sally Norton, b. Oct. 20, 1794; md., July 11, 
1816, Fayette Mace; d. Oct. 29, 1875. He d. 
Oct. 28, 1870, aged 75 years. 8 chil. 

III. William. Read, b. Oct, 25, 1796; md., July 9, 

1823, P^lecta Weston. Resides in Anson. 10 
chil. 

IV. Eliza Smith, b. Sept. 25, 1798; md., Oct. i, 1821, 

Brilsford Pease; d. Oct. 9, 1882. 9 chil., 
all d. 
v. Lydia Pope, b. Aug. 16, 1800; md., Dec. 23, 
1823, John W. Norton; d. Apr. 15, 1859. 6 
chil. " . 
vr. Clarissa Norton, b. June 8, 1802 ; md., July 20, 

1859, Henry McKeen. 
VII. Aurelia, b. July 5, 1804; md.. May 4, 1830, 

William S. Gay, g. v.; d. Jan. 7, 1855. 
VIII. Deborah Norton, b. June 10, 1806 ; md., Sept. 16, 
1830, Simon Bixby ; d. Apr. 11, 1876. He 
was b. Sept. ii, 1803, and d. May 11, 1862. 
10 chil., all living. 
IX. Mary, b. Dec. 13, 1808 ; d. Dec. 13, 1808. 



The descendants of Peter Gay are able to trace their ancestry to 
John Gay, the immigrant ancestor, who was made a freeman at Dedham, 
Mass., in 1635. Samuel, his eldest son, was the father of Timothy Gay 
who, with his wife, Patience L^is, was a resident of Dedham, Mass., in 
the early part of the eighteenth century. David Gay, son of Timothy 
was born Nov. 6, 1707, married. Mar. 12, 1735, Hannah Talbot, and died 
in 1794. His wife, a daughter of (ieorge and Mary (Turel) Talbot, was 
born May 12, 171 2, and died in 1790. 



472 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Peter Gay, the fourth child and second son of David 
and Hannah (Talbot) Gay, was born in Stoughton, Mass., 
June 27, 1743. He was in the French war, 1760, and 
resided in Stoughton until his removal to Meduncook, 
now Friendship, in 1782. He moved into the Sandy 
River township with his family in 1787. Previous to this 
he had purchased of one Pullen lot No, 35, west side, and 
immediately began preparations for the reception of his 
family. Mr. Pullen had derived his title to the lot from 
Colburn and his associates, and when Mr, Gay found that 
the township was claimed by the State of Massachusetts, 
and would probably vest in her, he feared lest his own 
title to the land, derived indirectly from the Plymouth 
Patentees, would be disputed. He therefore sought relief 
from his dilemma by resorting to the right of petition to 
the General Court ; and the petition, written by his own 
hand, is preserved in the Massachusetts archives. 

Mr. Gay was by trade a blacksmith, — the first to estab- 
lish himself in the township, — and he followed this calling 
together with farming for many years. The rapidly in- 
creasing population gave him the opportunity of carrying 
on the business to a considerable extent, and it proved of 
great use to the early settlers. He built the first framed 
barn in his section of the township in 1790. Mr. Gay was 
three times married: Dec. 5, 1765, to Hannah, dau. of 
William and Keziah (Vose) Smith, who d. Apr. 7, 1776; 
he md. (2), the same year, Mary Payson, who d. May 14, 
1794; he md. (3), Aug. 10, 1794, Mrs. Abigail Pease 
Spooner, who d. Nov., 1808. • He d. Aug., 1S15. Seven- 
teen children : — 

I. Infant son, b. Feb. 13, 1767 ; d. in infancy, 
II. ^Elisha, b. in Stoughton, Mass., Apr. 30, 1768. 

III. *Jabez, b. in Stoughton, Oct. 11, 1770. 

IV. William, b. in Newburyport, Sept. 17, 1772; md., 

Oct. 16, 1799, Elizabeth Spooner, who d. June 
25, 1845 ; md. (2), May, 1847, Rhoda Hardy. 
Settled in Farmington on front-lot No. 25, 
west side. He was esteemed as a good citizen 
and zealous Christian, and was a highly re- 
spected member of the Methodist Church for 
more than half a century. He d, Dec. 11, 
1856; s.p. 
Keziah, b. Sept. 29, 1774; d. in infancy. 

Peter ) 
<, , ' - b. in Stoughton, Mar. 27, 1776. 

Peter md. Betsey Merriam ; d. in Augusta in 

1872. 
Seth d. Oct. 24, 1778. 



V. 

VI. 

VII. 



13 

i6 



17 

18 



(3) 



19 

20 
21 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 473 

Second marriage : 

VIII. David, b. in Stoughton, Jan. 27, 1777; d. in 
Canada. 
IX. Hannah, b. in Stoughton, May 19, 1778; md. 

March Gay ; d. in Raymond, 
X. Aznbah, b. in Stoughton, Apr. 18, 1780; md., Nov. 

28, 1799, Reuben Jones; d. Sept. 23, 1857. 
XI. Lydia, b. in Stoughton, Nov. 5, 1781 ; md., Jan. 
7, 1802, Joseph Frederic of Stark; d. Feb. 18, 
1849. He was b. May 10, 1776; d. Mar. 24, 
1862. 
XII. Freedom, b. in Meduncook, July 15, 1783; md., 
Dec. 29, 1806 (pub.), Elizabeth B. Norton ; d. 
in Indiana, Sept. 3, 1815. 

XIII. Anna, b. in Meduncook, Jan. 20, 1785 ; md., Sept. 

26, 1804 (pub.), Jonathan Judkins ; d. in Can- 
ada. 

XIV. Keziah, b. in Meduncook, Dec. 26, 1786; md. 

John Fredericks ; d. in Monmouth. 
XV. Mary, b. Apr. 28, 1788; md. Joel Mclntyre ; d. 

in Bloomfield, Aug., 1819. 
XVI. Seth, b. Oct. 25, 1790; d. Mar. 4, 1792. 
XVII. Jesse, b. June i, 1792; md. Mary Sprinke ; d. in 
Indiana. 

Elisha Gay, in company with his brother Jabez, came 
into the township in 1786, previous to his father's coming. 
He was then but a young man of eighteen, and found 
employment as a laborer by the month. About 1790 he 
purchased front-lot No. 9, east side, where he began to 
make improvements. Later he purchased other land ad- 
joining, the whole making one of the largest and most 
valuable farms in town. 

Mr. Gay was a practical land-surveyor, and in early life 
found considerable employment in the adjustment of con- 
troverted lines. He also lotted the town of Freeman. 
In religious views Mr. Gay was a Freewill Baptist, and 
was a man sincerely respected for the worth of his char- 
acter. 

He md., Mar., 1797, Sarah Jones, b. in Fairfield, Oct. 9, 
1774; d. Jan. II, 1830. He md. (2), Jan. 7, 1836, Anna 
Sanderson ; d. Apr. 4, 1842. Seven children by first 
marriage : — 

I. Hannah Smith, b. Jan. 24, 1798; d. Nov. 21, 

1823, unmd. 
II. ^Edward Jones, b. Aug. 9, 1801. 
III. Marhon Graves, b. Sept. 24, 1804; md., Dec. 28, 
1823, Holmes Mayhew ; d. June 5, 1825. 



474 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



24 



25 



(4) 



26 



(20) 



34 



IV. * William Spoo7ier, b. Apr. 11, 1806. 
V. * Hiram, b. Feb. 18, 181 1. 
VI, John Wesley, b. Nov. 9, 1814; d. Mar. 8, 1876, 

unmd. 
VII. Freeman, b. Aug. 9, 1817 ; md., Apr. 30, 1845, S. 

Augusta, dau. of Jabez Gay, q. v. Lives at 

Joliet, 111. 4 chil. 



Jabez Gay came into the township with his brother 
Elisha at the age of sixteen, and like him found employ- 
ment among the settlers. About the year 1791 he pur- 
chased back-lot No. 16, on the west side, the same now 
owned by his grandson, Elmon J. Dyar, and there began 
to make improvements by clearing the land and erecting 
buildings. He soon became a large and successful farmer, 
and was moreover a man of steadfast integrity, inllexible, 
yet just, and distinguished for his good sense. He was 
appointed quartermaster-general upon the organization of 
the militia in town, a position he continued to hold under 
various administrations until about 18 15. With Hon. 
Nathan Cutler he was a delegate to the Constitutional 
Convention which met at Portland in October, 18 19, and 
was elected first representative under the new Constitu- 
tion in 1820. 

Mr. Gay died upon the farm upon which he settled, 
Apr. 16, 1852. He md., Nov. 21, 1799, Rachel, dau, of 
Jacob Eaton, g. v. She survived him until Nov. 13, 1857. 
Eight children : — 

I. Ma?y Smith, b. Nov. 6, 1800; md., Feb. 28, 

1822, Joseph Dyar of Phillips; d. Feb. 6, 1884. 

8 chil. 
Sophronia, b. Apr. i, 1803; d. Oct. 28, 1816. 
Jacob Eaton, b. June i, 1805 ; d. Aug. i, 1825. 
Rachel Reed, b. Dec. 14, 1807; md., June 11, 

1834, Isaac Downing; d. Apr. 28, 1847. 
*^ Jabez Talbot, b. Apr. 9, 1810. 
Martha Fairbanks, b. Dec. 3, 1815 ; d. Sept. 14, 

1828. 
John Wesley, b. July 17, 1818; d. Sept. 2, 1828. 
Sophronia Augusta, b. Aug. 3, 1820 ; md., Apr. 30, 

1845, P'reeman Gay, q. v. 



27 


II, 


28 


III. 


29 


IV, 


30 


V. 


31 


VI. 


^2 


VII. 


zz 


VIII. 



Edward Jones Gay settled at the Fairbanks village, 
where he followed the trade of wheelwright and carpenter. 
He md., June, 1836, Sally Keyes, who survives him; d. 
July 15, 1881. Four children : — 

I, Charles, b. Aug. 4, 1837; md., Sept. 15, 187 1, 
Emma Palmer. Is a successful shoe-manu- 
facturer at Auburn. 2 "chil. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



475 



II. George, b. Nov. 2, 1839 5 '^^'^•) ^'^'-^g' 22, 1863, 
Araminta Marr, 

III. Mary, b. July 14, 1846; nid., Oct. 31, 1877, Fred 

S. Smith. I child. 

IV. Albert, b. Jan. 29, 1854; ind., Sept. 20, 1881, 

Cassia McLaughlin. 



William Spooner Gay settled in the north part of the 
town on river-lot No. 3, east side, and there spent his life 
as a farmer. Mr. Gay was a man of great purity of life, 
modest and unostentatious in his bearing towards his 
fellows, and was respected and loved by all who knew 
him. He served the town as selectman in 185 1 and 1852. 
Mr. Gay was three times married : May 4, 1830, to Aure- 
lia, dau. of Dr. Thomas Flint, g. v., who d. Jan. 7, 1855 ; 
md. (2), Sept. 8, 1856 (pub.), to F)liza Jewett, who d. June 
8, 1868; md. (3), Nov. 12, 1869, to M. Amanda Smith, 
who survives him. He d. Apr. 8, 1872. Six children by 
first marriage : — 

I. Mar/ion Graves, b. Apr. 4, 183 1 ; md., Apr. 4, 

1854, Columbus Gray of Wilton ; s. J). 
II. * William Flint, b. Sept. 4, 1832. 

III. Sarah Aurelia, b. Aug. 17, 1837; d. C)ct. 21, 

1858, unmd. 

IV. Hannah Ann, b. Feb. 27, 1840; md., May 11, 

1864, Horatio B. Shoales, and resides at East 
Hampton, Mass. 

V. Hannibal Hajnlin, b. Mar. 24, 1842 ; d. Apr. 20, 

1865, unmd. 

VI. Jolui Sturgis, b. Oct. 15, 1843 ; md., Apr. 30, 
1872, Leone, dau. of John T. and Betsey 
(Wendell) Luce. Resides on the homestead 
farm ; s. p. 



Hiram Gay was an extensive farmer upon the old 
homestead. He md., Jan. 31, 1856, Sophia Tolman of 
Industry; d. Mar. 30, 1885. Three children: — 

I. Frank, b. Jan. 28, 1857 ; d. Jan. 31, 1878, unmd. 
II. Hiram Elisha, b. Oct. 7, 186 1. 
II r. Charles lolman, b. May 31, 1863. 



Jabez Talbot Gay is chieHy remembered as a preacher 
of the Methodist order. Soon after the foundation of the 
Protestant Methodist Church in town, he united with it, 
and was ordained as a traveling minister. He was con- 
spicuous in the revival which the year 1843 witnessed 
under the auspices of that church, and was a preacher of 
no mean power. He was possessed of certain eccentrici- 



476 



HISTORY OF FARMING TON. 



47 



(39) 



49 

5° 

(47) 



5^ 

52 



ties, but was most sincerely devoted to his work, and his 
Christian character was above reproach. He md., June 
10, 1834, Betsey, dau. of Jonathan Cushman, q. v. He d. 
Feb. 8, 1845. Two children : — 

I. * Jabez Talbot, Jr., b. Feb. 19, 1837. 
II. Sophronia Augusta, b. Oct., 1842; md. Henry E. 
Tyler, who d. Jan. 12, 1868, aged 30 years. 
Resides in New Gloucester. 

William Flint Gay was in trade at Farmington for a 
number ot years in the grocery and provision business, 
but went to Albany, Georgia, where he has held various 
public positions. He md., Oct. 13, 1861, Marcia Soule, 
dau. of Thomas Hunter, 2d, q. v.; md. (2), Oct. 25, 1874, 
Lucy, dau. ot Philip M. Garcelon. Two children by first 
marriage : — 

I. Sarah Aurelia, b. Sept. 12, 1862. 
II. Marcia Hunter, b. Jan. 14, 1865 ; d. Aug. 18, 
1865. 



Jabez Talbot Gay, Jr., is in trade at Farmington as a 
merchant in the boot-and-shoe business. He md., May 
23, 1874, Nettie R., dau. of Benjamin B. and Rhoda 
(Stone) Mace, b. Aug. 3, 1848. Two children : — 

I. Helen Maria, b. Feb. 26, 1875. 
II. Mildred Stewart, b. Feb. 10, 1880. 



Thomas Goodenow, one of the proprietors of Sudbury, Mass., came 
from England in 1638, when thirty years of age. He afterwards removed 
to Marlborough, and was one of the selectmen of that town. His 
seventh child, Samuel, was born Feb. 28, 1646. The third child of 
Samuel Goodenow was Samuel, Jr., who was born Nov. 30, 1675. 
David, the eldest child of Samuel, Jr., was born Feb. 26, 1704, and was the 
father of Daniel, who was born Jan. i, 1725. John Goodenow, son of 
Daniel, was born Dec. i, 1751, and married, Sept. 12, 1784, Rebecca 
Tyler. They were the parents of John, Rufus K., Daniel, William, 
Robert, Sally, and Valeria, wife of Daniel P. Stone of Maiden, whose 
benefactions to religious and educational institutions have been widely 
distributed. 



Robert Goodenow {vide page 278), seventh child and 
fifth son of John and Rebecca (Tyler) Goodenow, was 
born in Henniker, N. H., Apr. 19, 1800, and at the age of 
thirty-two settled in Farmington, where the remainder of 
his life was spent. He md., Nov. 15, 1827, Mary Reed, 
dau. of Nathan Cutler, q. v. Five children : — 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



A77 



I. 

II. 
III. 



IV. 
V. 



Jo/m Cutler, b. Aug. 2, 1829; d. Sept. 24, 1829. 
* Nathan Cutler, b. Jan. 2, 1831. 
Ellen Valeria, b. Sept. 24, 1837 ; md., Dec. 23, 
1863, Ambrose P. Kelsey, now Professor in 
Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y. 3 chil. 
Mary Cutler, b. Apr. 3, 1840; d. Aug., 1841, 
Clara Anna, b. Feb. 20, 1843. 



Nathan C. Goodenow attended Farmington Academy, 
and fitted for college under the tuition of A. H. Abbott. 
After remaining in Bowdoin College through more than 
half the course, he became a law-student in his father's 
office, and was admitted to the bar in Sept., 1852, com- 
mencing the practice of law at Phillips. In 1854 he went 
to Chicago, and entered the office of J. Y. Scammon. 
Upon the breaking out of the war in 1861, he entered the 
army as 2d lieutenant, Battery A, 2d Illinois Artillery, 
and some months after was transferred to McClearned 
Guaids, with rank of captain. This organization was sub- 
sequently consolidated with other unorganized cavalry 
companies, and became the i6th Illinois Cavalr}', with 
which he served to the close of the war, reaching by suc- 
cessive steps the lieut. -colonelcy of the regiment. He 
md., Oct. 6, 1856, Mary Augusta, dau, of Capt. Levi M. 
Williams; she d. in St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 5, 1861. He 
md. (2), June 18, 1874, Lucy Garaphelia, dau. of Gen. 
Hannibal Belcher, q. v. Six children : — 

I. Henry Parker, b. July 14, 1857; md.. May 21, 
1885, Lillian C. Cooley of Waterloo, la. He 
is a successful lawyer in St. Paul, Minn. 
II. Elbridge Cutler, b. Feb. 9, 1859. He is a civil 
engineer by profession. 

Second marriage : 

III. Edith Helen, b. Apr. 16, 1875. 

IV. Valeria Stone, b. Mar. 31, 1878. 
V. Robert, b. July 5, 1879. 

VI. Margaret Belcher, b. July 6, 188 1. 



The earliest known ancestor cf the Farmington family of Gould is 
Samuel, who is believed to have emigrated from England and settled at 
Ipswich, Mass., where he was a resident in the seventeenth century. He 
had, according to family tradition, three sons, Joseph, Samuel, and John. 
Samuel, Jr., was also the father of three sons, Joseph, Samuel, and Mark. 
Samuel, 3d, had nine children, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jesse, Noah, Silas, 
William, Isaac, Daniel, and Hannah, three of whom settled in Farming- 
ton. 



61 



478 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTOM. 



13 
^5 



Col. Silas Gould, of Dunstable, Mass., was a Revolu- 
tionary soldier, enlisting in the Continental army at the 
age of fifteen, and participating in the battle of Bunker 
Hill, June 17, 1775. He continued in active service both 
by land and sea until near the close of the war, when he 
received an honorable discharge. Col. Gould with his 
family came to the valley of the Sandy River in May, 
1786, taking up the northern portion of back-lot No. 7, 
west side — John B. Peterson's farm. Here he lived — the 
first settler on a back-lot on the west side of the river — 
until the spring of 1796, when he purchased a right in 
Tyngtown, now Wilton, and removed thither. 

Col. Gould was b. Mar. 11, 1760; d. July 5, 1842. His 
wife. Thankful Ditson, was b. in Dunstable, Mass., Nov. 
26, 1760; d. Mar. 10, 1834. Thirteen children : — 

L * John, b. Dec. 31, 1779. 

n. Silas, b. Nov. 28, 1781; md. Eunice Sawyer; d, 
Dec. 14, 1861. She was b. June 17, 1787; d. 
July 30, 1851. II chil. 
in. Elizabeth, b. in Nottingham, N. H., June 7, 1784; 
md., Apr. i, 1802, Josiah, son of Lemuel Per- 
ham, q. v.\ d. June 19, 1861. 
IV. Benjamin, b. July 8, 1786; md., March, 1810, 
Hannah Powers; d. Oct. 7, 1861. She d. 
July 27, 1875. Chil. 
V. Thankful, b. Feb. 21, 1789; md. Hosmer Powers; 
d. June I, 1855. He d. Feb. 21, 1881, in the 
ninety-second year of his age. 
Joseph, b. May 13, 1791 ; d. Mar. 11, 1810. 
Josiah, b. May 22, 1793; d. at White Plains, 
N. Y., in 1821. 
VIII. Sally, b. Oct. 14, 1795 ; md. Jeremiah Fletcher, 
Jr., of Wilton; d. June 14, 1840. He d. in 
1862. 
IX. Hannah, b. in Wilton, June 17, 1798; d. June 13, 

1816. 
X. Rhoda, b. in Wilton, Feb. 27, 1801 ; d. Aug. 7, 

1803. 
XI. Jerusha Marble, b. Mar. 31, 1803; md. Capt. 
Josiah Bakon ; d. Oct. 29, 1S64. He d. Jan. 
24, 1877. 
XII. Rhoda, b. in Wilton, Mar. 25, 1806; md. Jesse 

Huse ; d. Nov. 24, 1845. 
XIII. Agnes Gordon, b. May 26, 1809; md. Robert 
Welch; d. May 28, 1874. i child. 



VI 
VII 



Gen. William Gould, a younger brother of Col. Gould, 
was born at Dunstable, Mass., Feb. 26, 1762, and came to 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 479 

the township in company with his brother Jesse in 1782. 
He settled on river-lot No. 11, west side, a part of the 
same now owned by Samuel Sewall, and very soon set out 
an apple-orchard of twelve acres, being among the first in 
town to raise apples for market. Upon the organization 
of the militia he was appointed adjutant, and afterwards 
commanded the brigade. In 181 2, when the militia was 
called out and ordered to rendezvous at Bath, Gen. Gould, 
with the drafted men from his brigade, promptly responded 
to the call. In 1810 he served as selectman, and in 1822 
was elected representative to the legislature. A custom 
had prevailed in town from its incorporation, for the repre- 
sentative-elect to place a barrel of New England rum upon 
the Common, and invite friend and foe to partake. This 
custom Gen. Gould with Roman firmness refused to sanc- 
tion, and a large portion of the electors, feeling aggrieved 
at this action on the part of the General, reassembled in 
the townhouse and held an indignation-meeting, charging 
him with urfparalleled meanness. Not long after this, the 
treasurer of the town received a note from Gen. Gould, 
saying that he had ascertained the cost of a barrel of New 
England rum to be twelve dollars, and that he enclosed 
that amount to be used for the benefit of common-schools. 
He md., in 1785, Elizabeth Coburn, b, Nov. 24, 1766; d. 
Aug. 26, 1 83 1. He d. Sept. 29, 1831. Eight children: — 

I. Betsey, b. Dec. 9, 1785 ; md., March, 1806, David 

Dwinell. 
II. Abi, b. Nov. 7, 1787 ; md., Feb. 28, 1805, Jeffrey 
13rackett Brown. 3 chil. 

III. Mary, b. Aug. 15, 1789; d. Mar. i, 1793. 

IV. Ha?inah, b. Apr., 1793 ; d. young, 
v. William, b. Jan. 3, 1796; md., Sept. 8, 18 19, 

Betsey H. Whitney. 



VI. 



27 



Manley, \ ( d. Apr. 17, 1799. 

VII. Thirza, - b. June 2, 1798; X d. Oct. 20, 1798. 
VIII. Louisa, ) ( d. Aug. 8, 1798. 

Jesse Gould, brother of Silas and William, settled on 
river-lot No. 9, west side, and resided there until 1837, 
when he sold his farm, and with his wife and son James 
removed to the State of Ohio. Since then little is known 
of their history. He md., probably in 1790, Mary Star- 
ling, sister of Moses Starling, Esq. Eight children : — 

I. Mary, b. Feb. 5, 1792 ; d. Sept. 25, 18 12. 

II. Jesse, b. Mar. 10, 1794; d. Sept. 25, 1804. 

III. Rachel, b. Jan. 11, 1796; d. Apr. 16, 1799. 

IV. James, b. Jan. 24, 1798; md., Dec. 3, 1818, 

Nancy Billings. 



48o 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



29 


V. 


30 


VI. 


31 


VII, 


32 


VIII. 



(2) 



zz 



34 
35 



36 
37 

38 

39 

40 

41 
42 



Amelia, b. July 3, 1800; d. unmd. 

Rachel Starling, b. Apr. 23, 1802 ; d. Sept. 20, 

1804. 
Cyrena Starling, b. Apr. 19, 1804; md., Mar., 

1824, Joseph, son of Samuel Eames, q. v. 
Cordelia, md., July, 1832, Augustus Dwinell, and 

removed to Mainville, Ohio. 



Capt. John Gould, eldest son of Col. Gould, was born 
in Dunstable, now Tyngsborough, Mass., and came to the 
township at the time of his father's removal hither. He 
first settled in Wilton as a farmer, where he continued to 
reside until 18 18, when he again became a resident of 
Farmington. 

Capt. Gould was prominent in military affairs, and was 
for many years a deputy sheriff, before the organization of 
Franklin County. He was a distinguished teacher of 
vocal music, in which he took a lively interest. 

He md.. Mar. 28, 1805, Alice Taylor, dau. of John F. 
Woods, q. V. She d. Oct. 25, 1859, having survived her 
husband, who d. Sept. 21, 1849. Ten children : — 

I. John Frettch Woods, b. Jan. 30, 1806; md., Apr. 

9, 1835, Adeline, dau. of Dr. T. D. Blake, q. v.; 

d. Mar. 5, 1878. 2 chil. 
Cyrus Marble, b. Jan. 6, 1808; d. Feb. 20, 1808. 
Lucinda Morrill, b. Sept. 5, 1809 ; md., June 16, 

1831, Cyrus G. Morrill, q. v.; d. Sept. 19, 

i860. 2 chil. 
Mark, b. Dec. 2, iSii ; md., July 5, 1847, Electa 

M. Radley. Resides in Worcester, Mass. 3 

chil. 
v. Jotham Sewall, b. Mar. 31, 1814; md., Oct. 11, 

1846, Lucy Jane Safford. He was Register of 

Deeds for Franklin County fourteen years ; 

and has been a resident of Farmington sixteen 

years. 2 chil., d. young. 
David, b. May 13, 18 16 ; md., July i, 1841, Maria 

Fairchild ; d. May 17, 1883. 2 chil. 
Sumner, b. July 2, 1818 ; md., Sept., 1848, Sarah 

Flynt ; d. July 3, 1865. 2 chil. 
Alice Ami, b. Feb. 4, 182 1 ; md., Aug. 25, 1844, 

Horace D. Gage; d. Aug. 2, 1872. 
Mary Amanda, b. Apr. 15, 1824; md. Llewellyn 

Bixby ; d. Aug. 2, 1872. 2 chil. 
Thankful Ditson, b. Aug. 15, 1826; md., Nov. 11, 

1846, James S. Greenwood. Resides in La 

Crosse, Wis. 2 chil. 



II. 
III. 



IV 



VI 



VII. 



VIII 



IX. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



481 



The Gower family of Farmington, so far as known, is not connected 
with any other family of the name in America. 



Robert Gower, a younger son of Robert and Margaret 
(Hereson) Gower, was born near Norwich, Norfolk Co., 
England, Oct. 9, 1723, and first came to this country as an 
English soldier, having served under Gardiner, a famous 
general in Queen Anne's war. 

Upon leaving the army he engaged in the boot-and-shoe 
business in Boston, and there his first wife, Margaret 
Alexander, died, leaving two children. After her death 
Mr. Gower came to Topsham, and again md., Jan., 1771, 
Mary Henry, sister of the wife of Stephen Titcomb. Al- 
though a man of fifty-three years, he was one of the 
pioneers who explored the township with a view to settle- 
ment in 1776 ; and, in the mutual distribution of the land, 
received river-lot No. 43, east side. Here he erected a 
log-house — the house in which the first school taught by a 
male teacher was opened by Lemuel Perham, Jr. In 
1782 such improvements had been made that he deemed 
it proper to bring his family, and in that year he made a 
permanent settlement. 

Mr. Gower was prominent among the early settlers, and 
his is the first name appended to the petition for incorpo- 
ration. He d. Aug. 29, 1806. His wife, who was b. in 
Johnston, R. I., Jan. 22, 1745, survived him until Jan. 13, 
1836. Twelve children : — 

I. Edward. Md. and settled near Gardiner. 2 

dau. 
II, *Williafn, b. 1764. 

Second marriage : 

III. * James, b. in Topsham, Jan. 2, 1772. 

IV. Margaret, b. in Topsham, Aug. 14, 1773; md., 
Dec. 5, 1793, Elijah Norton, q. v.; d. Apr. 2, 

1853- 
V. Ha7mah, b. in Topsham, Feb. 27, 1775 ; md., Jan. 

29, 1793, Henry Norton of New Vineyard. 
VI. Mary, b. in Topsham, May i, 1777. 
VII. Sarah, b. in Topsham, Mar. 25, 1779; md., May 
26, 1803, Robert Coffren, and settled in Vi- 
enna. 
VIII. * John, b. in Topsham, Mar. 16, 1781. 
IX. Satnuel, b. Aug. 16, 1783; d. in Canaan. 
X. Anna, b. June 23, 1785 ; md., May 24, 1807, John 

Mayall of Lisbon, where she d. 
XI. Rebecca, b. Mar. 17, 1788; md., Nov. 12, 1812, 



482 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



13 

(3) 



14 

IS 

(4) 



16 

17 



19 



20 
21 

22 



XII. 



Elnathan Pope; d. Jan. 9, r86i. 
7, 1 86 1, aged 80. 
* George, b. Apr. 9, 1789. 



He d. Apr. 



William Gower came to the plantation, probably, in 
1784, and settled on the farm on the west side of the river 
now (1885) owned by Luther Gordon and others. Subse- 
quently selling this farm to James Merrill, he moved to 
river-lot No, 47, east side, where he spent the remainder 
of his life. He was deputy sheriff for some years, and 
was at one time in trade at the Falls village as a partner 
of Col. Daniel Beale. He md., June i, 1784, Margaret 
Alexander, his cousin. Two children : — 

I. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 13. 1785 ; md., Mar. 22, 1806 

(pub.), Asa Brown ; d. Feb. 3, 1845. 
II. Margaret, b. July 15, 1787; md., Dec. 11, 1806, 
Samuel Liver more Jones. 



James Gower first settled upon a part of the home- 
stead, but removed to industry about the year 18 12, and 
subsequently to Abbot. He md., Sept. 2, 1800 (pub.), 
Susannah, dau. of Cornelius Norton, q. v. Twelve chil- 
dren : — 

I. Mary, b. Sept. 13, 1801 ; md., Oct. 14, 1821, 

Thomas Croswell, g. v. 
II. Robert, b. Jan. 25, 1803; md., Jan. 1, 1825, Rosa- 
mond, dau. of Alexander Greenwood. He 
moved to Iowa, and engaged in business. He 
was a member of the convention which framed 
the Constitution of Iowa. He d. about 1872. 
7 chil. 

III. John Holmes, b. Nov. 13, 1804. Went to sea, 

and never returned. 

IV. James Henry, b. Oct. 22, 1806; md., 183 1, Borre- 

dell, dau. of Alexander Greenwood. Removed 
to Iowa in 1838, where he became a prominent 
citizen. He was a large dealer in real estate, 
was a member of the Constitutional conven- 
tion of Iowa, and a trustee of the State Uni- 
versity. He d. Nov. 13, 1879. 9 chil. 
V. Cordelia, b, June 28, 1808 ; md., 1834, Hollis 
Greenwood. Lives in Michigan. 6 chil. 

VI. Cornelius, b. Dec. 15, 1811 ; md. Abigail Hawes. 
Lives in Chippewa flails. Wis. 4 chil. 

VII. Charles, b. in Industry, Aug. 25, 1812 ; md. Clar- 
issa Hawes. He removed to Greenville, and 
d. there. He was for a time in the Maine 
Legislature. 4 chil. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



483 



VIII. Eben, b. in Industry, Apr. 24, 18 14. He settled 
in Greenville, S. C, and there married, but 
now lives in Gainesville, Georgia. He is a 
machinist by trade. G chil. 
IX. Susan, b. in Industry, Mar. 2, 1819; md., about 
1840, Willard Hammond. Lives in Tipton, 
Iowa. 7 chil. 
X. Davis, b. in Industry, Sept. 30, 1820; md. Susan 

Hawes. Lives in Winthrop. 4 chil. 
XI. Thomas, b. in Abbot, Apr., 1822 ; is a carriage- 
maker at Greenville, S. C. ; has been three 
times married. 8 chil. 
XII. Samuel, b. and d. in infancy. 



John Gower settled upon a farm in Industry in 1802. 
He was a licensed minister in the Methodist Church, and 
was an acceptable preacher. He served the town as 
selectman for many years, and also was elected representa- 
tive to the legislature in 1822. Mr. Gower md.. May 13, 
1807, Susannah Bailey, widow of Nathan Ames, who was 
b. in Bradford, Mass., April 28, 1774, and d. Feb. 7, 1844. 
He d. Aug. 29, 1843. Four children, b. in Industry: — 

I. John, b. Feb. i, 1808 ; md., April 8, 1S34, Dorothy 
Weeks, of New Sharon, b. March 16, 181 1. 
Lives in the West. 
II. ^George, b. March 25, 1810. 

III. Mary, b. Feb. 8, 1812 ; md., April 2, 1839, K.^^'- 

D. B. Randall of the Methodist Church; d. 
Jan. 4, 1859. 

IV. Winiatn, b. Jan. 26, 1814; md., June 20, 1842, 

Hester Ann Chandler of Winthrop ; d, Nov. 
29, 1876. 5 chil. 



George Gower settled on the homestead farm, which 
he sold, and moved to New Sharon, where he spent the 
remainder of his active life. He d. in Farmington, May 
5, i860. He md., April 5, 18 16, Love, dau. of William 
Allen, q. v. Five children : — 

I. * Harrison Bartlett, b. 18 17. 

II. John Iruvian, b. 1820; md., 185 1, Mary, dau. of 
Thomas Croswell, q.T.\ d. at Los Angelos, 
Cal., in 1880. 

III. Hannah Allen, b. Jan. 2, 1X24; md., Nov. 5, 1850, 

Charles S. Craig, q. v. 

IV. George Dana, b. 1826 ; md. in Connecticut, and 

was a prominent lumber dealer in New Haven ; 
d. in Chicago, May 19, 1885. 
V. Merritt, b. 1833 '■> "^"^^ ''^ Connecticut. 



484 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(29) 



37 



38 



39 

(32) 



40 



41 



George Gower, 2D, is the most extensive farmer in 
Farmington, and one of the most extensive in Franklin 
County. He first settled in that part of Industry after- 
wards set off to New Sharon, and later removed to Mercer. 
He came to Farmington in 1868, and purchased the Daniel 
Beale farm, upon which he lives. He has had the honor 
of serving the towns of Industry, New Sharon, Mercer, and 
Farmington, as selectman, having in all a service of 
twenty-five years. He represented Mercer in the legisla- 
ture, and has served three years as county commissioner. 
Mr. Gower md., June 21, 1835, Martha Jane Merrill of 
Industry, who d. June 30, 1837 ; he md. (2), April 2, 1839, 
Tamesin Weeks, widow of Allen H. Brainerd, who d. 
June II, 1883; he md, (3), June 7, 1885, Sarah Bixby, 
widow of Peter W. Manter. I'hree children : — 

I. Truman Ane?i, b. in Industry, April 21, 1837; ^^^ 
a member of Company V., 17th Regiment 
Illinois Cavalry; md., June 10, 1859, Carrie 
N. Wilbur of Sunbury, 111. ; d. at Alton, 111., 
July 14, 1864, leaving a widow and two chil- 
dren. 
II. Roxa Brooks, b. in Industry, Feb. 25, 1843 ; md., 
in 1863, Fernando M. Carr of Mercer. 4 
chil. 
III. *John Fessenden, b. Sept. 8, 1848. 



Harrison Bartlett Gower graduated from Brown 
University in 1846, and was ordained to the Baptist 
ministry in Buxton in 1848. He preached tor some years 
in Farmington, and afterwards at Sedgwick. For a time 
he was an editor in the publication society of the Baptists 
in Philadelphia. Mr. Gower md., August, 1848, Maria 
Susan Dix of Providence, R. I. He d. in Farmington, 
August 24, 1859. His widow afterwards married Hon. W. 
G. Sargent of Sargentville. Three children : — 

I. George Lewis, b. in New Sharon, 1849; graduated 
at Brown University in 1871 ; studied law, and 
was admitted to the Rhode Island bar. He 
has served several years as clerk of the Rhode 
Island House of Representatives. 
IT. Frederick Allen, b. in Sedgwick, July, 185 1 ; fitted 
for college at Little Blue, and entered Brown 
University in 1869, but left in 1871 and adopted 
journalism as a profession. He afterwards 
became associated with Prof. A. Graham Bell, 
inventor of the telephone, and invented an 
improved instrument known as the Gower 
telephone, which has been adopted by the 



GEIVEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



485 



42 



(39) 



43 

44 

45 
46 



French government and is widely used in 
Europe and India. He is president of the 
Bell-Gower Telephone Company of London. 
He resides in Paris, France. Mr. Gower md., 
Jan. 22, 1883, Lillian, dau. of Edwin Norton, 
q. V. ' 
John William Dix, b. in Sedgwick, July, 1853. 
He adopted a seafaring profession, and was 
captain of a ship at twenty-one. He is now a 
ship-builder at Sedgwick. 



John Fessenden Gower md., Oct. 3, 1870, Ann 
Romantha, daughter of Selden Knowlton, q. v. Four 
children : — 

I. Georgia Tamesin, b. June 26, 1871, 

II. Abbie Frances, b. May i, 1873. 

III. Isabel May, b. Jan. 18, 1875. 

IV. Olive Underwood, b. May 31, 1879. 



The Graves family originated in Gascony, in southern France, and 
settled at Graveslines upon the English Channel. Crossing to England, 
they had a home at Gravesend. In the sixteenth century Thomas 
Graves was created Baron of Gravesend. He left nine children and a 
grandson, also Thomas Graves, who came to Boston under a contract 
with the New England company of London, in 1630, as land-surveyor, 
military engineer, and mineralogist. He laid out the town of Charles- 
town, and built bridges, fortifications, dams, and mills. From this 
Thomas Graves was descended William Graves, born at Brentwood, 
N. H., June 19, 1704, and married to Margaret Lowe, who was born 
Sept. 17, 1715. Her death occurred May 11, 1772, and her husband sur- 
vived her until Apr. 19, 1777. Joseph Graves, son of William, was born 
in Brentwood, N. H., May 20, 1742. He married. Mar. 5, 1766, Lydia 
Taylor, and removed to Deerfield, N. H., Mar. 13, 1766. They had four 
daughters and three sons. His wife died Sept. 27, 1785, and he married, 
April 20, 1786, L3'dia Williams, born Feb. 23, 1746. They were the 
parents of two children. His death occurred April 12, 1791. 



Jonathan Graves, son of Joseph and Lydia (Taylor) 
Graves, came to Farmington in the latter part of the last 
century, and commenced working at his trade — that of a 
house-joiner. In 1804 he went to New Brunswick for the 
purpose of obtaining work, and no tidings were ever 
received from him. Those best acquainted with the cir- 
cumstances of his disappearance have always believed 
there were evidences of foul play. He was b. Apr. 17, 
1778, and md., Aug. 5, 1799, Esther, dau. of Jonas Butter- 
field, q. v., who d. Nov. 28, 1853. Two children : — 



62 



486 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTOM. 



(3) 



I. Jonathan, b. June 22, 1801 ; md., Dec. 29, 1829, 
Esther G. Plummer; d. Sept. 5, 1881 ; she d. 
Dec. 24, 1876. 
II. * Jotham Sewall, b. Mar. i, 1803, 

JoTHAM S. Graves in early life was a school-teacher, 
but afterwards became a skillful millwright and house- 
joiner. In 1853 he went to the Sandwich Islands in com- 
pany with Thomas Hunter, where he erected extensive 
fiouring-mills. 

Mr. Graves served the town as selectman in 1850, and 
the county as register of deeds from Jan. i, 1863, to Jan. 
1, 1868. He was a quiet, peaceable citizen, whose char- 
acter was above reproach. He md., Dec. 16, 1832, Julia 
A., dau. of Col. Daniel Beale, g. v. ; d. July 3. 1882. Four 
children : — 

I. Daniel Beale, b. Aug. 31, 1834; d. in Augusta, 
Aug. 31, 1869. 

Henry J. resides in Oskaloosa, Kansas; unmd. 

Helen J. md., Sept. 12, 1873, Rev. Rowland B. 
Howard, now (1885) Secretary of the Ameri- 
can Peace Society. 2 chil. : 

1. Ella Howard, b. Dec. 15, 1875. 

2. Rowland Sewall Howard, b. July 30, 
1878. 

Geoj-ge Howard, b. Sept. 28, 1845. Resides in 
Earmington ; unmd. 



II. 
III. 



IV. 



The names of no fewer than ten Greens appear among the early 
settlers of New England. Thomas Green, from whom the Farmington 
Greens trace their descent, was known to have been in Maiden in 1653. 
but when he came from England is uncertain. He probably came from 
Leicestershire, and was born about 1606. He owned a farm of sixty- 
three acres in that part of Maiden now Melrose. By his first wife, whose 
Christian name was Elizabeth, he had ten children. The oldest son, 
Thomas, was born in England about 1630, and came with his father to 
this country. He married Rebecca Hills, a niece of Henry Dunster, the 
first President of Harvard College, and settled upon a farm in Maiden, 
where he died in 1672. The youngest child of Thomas and Rebecca 
Green was Samuel, who was born in 1670, married Elizabeth Upham, 
and removed to Leicester about 1717. He was a captain in the militia, 
His only son, Thomas, was born in 1699, and was a physician by profes- 
sion, and also was an ordained minister of the Baptist order at South 
Leicester. His wife was Martha Lynde, whom he married in 1726, and 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



487 



by whom he had seven children. Thomas, the fourth child of Rev. 
Thomas Oreen, was born in 1733, and was a farmer at Leicester. He 
was twice married: first to Hannah Fox; and afterwards to Anna 
Hovey; and died in August, 1807. This family of Greens is not con- 
nected with that of General Greene, of Revolutionary fame, nor with that 
of Dr. Samuel G. Green, late mayor of Boston. 



Ariathar Green, the fourth son of Thomas Green, Jr., 
was born in Leicester, Mass., Mar. 4, 1760. He, together 
with his three brothers, bore a part in the War for Inde- 
pendence. In 1789 he came to Augusta, where, according 
to Judge North's " History of Augusta," he paid a tax for 
the years 1789 and 1790. He probably removed to Farm- 
ington in the fall of the latter year, and purchased lot No. 
10, east side, where he made his home for life. The 
following year he began the cultivation of his farm, and in 
1792 md. Zilpha Jones. In 1802 he erected the first 
potash-factory in town, which he operated for some years 
in company with Col. Daniel Beale. His first wife d. 
May II, 1815 ; he md. (2), Nov. 30, 1818 (pub.). Widow 
Betsey Elliott. She d. in 1823, and he d. May 4, 1832. 
Five children : — 

I. Sarah, b. Apr. 13, 1794; md., Apr. 24, 1813, Asa 

Learned; d. Jan. 14, 1848. 10 chil. 
II. Thofnas, b. May 9, 1796; md., June, 1844, Emily 
J. Billington. Settled first in Salem, later in 
Avon, and finally moved to Coplintown, where 
he d,, Dec. 27, 1880. 2 chil. 

III. * John Jones, b. Apr. 26, 1798. 

IV. *Ephraim Jones, b. Aug. 13, 1801. 

V. Isaac, b. Sept. 12, 1805 ; d. Aug., 1869, unmd. 



John J. Green settled on the homestead, and subse- 
quently moved to New Vineyard, where he now resides. 
He md., Dec. 9, 1833 (pub.), Mary Porter, dau. of Gen. 
Nathaniel Russell, q. v., who d. June 12, 1839. He md. 
(2), July I, 1857, Martha Pike, who d. June 19, 1880. 
Two children : — 

I. Mary, b. July 23, 1836 ; md. J. Sylvester Brown, 
who d. June 16, 1863 ; md. (2), Mar. i, 1866, 
Nathan Cutler, 4 chil. 

Second marriage : 

II. Franklin. 



Kphraim J. Green settled first in Farmington, and 
finally moved to Newport, where he d.. May 15, 1875. A 
blacksmith by Jtrade. He md., May i, 1828, Abby C. 
Ellsworth, who d. Dec. 10, 1872. Three children : — 



488 



HISTORY OF FARMTNGTON. 



II. 



III. 



Abiathar, b. Apr. 27, 1829; md., at Evansville, 
Wis., July 3, 1856, Myra H. Winans. Lives 
at Gardiner. 3 chil. 

Augusta Jane, b. Apr. 11, 1835 ; md., Mar., 1875, 
Capt. Joseph F. Clement ; lives at Farming- 
dale ; s. p. 

William Ellsworth, b. Nov. 14, 1836 ; graduated 
at Bowdoin College in 1863 ; studied law, and 
was admitted to the bar in Stockton, Cal. ; was 
Judge of San Joaquin County, and member of 
the legislature in 1865-66 ; at present resides 
in Oakland, Cal., and is Judge of Alameda 
County; md., in 1869, Anna I. Webster. 4 
chil. 



Thomas Greenwood, the first of the name with whom the Green- 
woods of Farmington can with certainty be connected, was a weaver in 
Boston in 1665, and soon removed to that part of Cambridge now Brook- 
line. He was made freeman in 1681, was a member of the church, and 
held the positions of constable, town clerk, and selectman. He married, 
July 8, 1670, Hannah, daughter of John Ward, who died, leaving him two 
sons. Thomas, the elder, graduated at Harvard College in 1790, and 
was minister of the church in Rehoboth. John, the second son, became 
a prominent citizen of Newton. Thomas Greenwood, Sr., married a 
second time Abigail, by whom he had two sons, the younger of whom, 
Wilham, was born Oct. 14, 1689. William Greenwood married, June 21, 
1 71 5, Abigail, daughter of John Woodward of Cambridge, and removed 
about 1725 to Sherborn. Here he held the responsible positions of 
deacon, selectman, representative, and town clerk. He died about 1756. 
The ninth child of William Greenwood was Joseph, who was born June 
10, 1734. He was a carpenter, joiner, and weaver, living first at Sher- 
born, afterwards at Holden and at Dublin, N. H., where he was the most 
prominent business man in the town, serving as selectman, treasurer, 
town clerk, schoolmaster, justice of the peace, and representative to the 
first provincial congress of New Hampshire. In 1793 he removed to 
Maine, and died at Bethel, Dec. 27, 1825. Joseph Greenwood married, 
about 1758, his cousin Sarah, daughter of Josiah Greenwood. They had 
three sons, Ebenezer, born in 1759, John, born Dec. 24, 1760, and 
Nathaniel, born Nov. 6, 1761. Nathaniel Greenwood married, June 24, 
1782, Mary, daughter of Moses and Lydia (Knap) Mason. In 1793 he 
removed to Bethel, Me., where his wife died, Feb. 25, 1825. In 1827 he 
married Mrs. Abigail Irving of Paris. The later years of his life were 
spent in Farmington, where he died, Nov. 7, 1846. He had eleven 
children by the first marriage, and three by the second. Among the 
former were three sons, Ebenezer, Nathaniel, Jr., and Thaddeus, who 



GEIVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



489 



settled in Farminf(ton. Tliaddeus Greenwood subsequent!}' removed to 
Industry, where he died in 1864. His wife was Belinda Caldwell of 
Hebron. 



Ebenezer Greenwood, second son of Nathaniel and 
Mary (Mason) Greenwood, was born in Dublin, N. H., 
and first settled in Bethel, from whence he removed to 
the Leonard Merry farm in this town in 1833. His family 
has always been held in high estimation for intelligence 
and exemplary virtues. He md., Jan. i, 1808, Salome 
Howe of Bethel, who was b. Dec. 5, 1787; d. Dec. 25, 
1820. He md. (2) Lucy Grover, b. Dec, 17, 1790; d. 
Dec. 2, 1858. He d. Mar. 13, 1856. Nine children: — 

I. Joseph, b. July 10, 1809; d. Nov. 30, 1820. 
II. *Noah Cresey, b. Nov. 20, 1810. 

III. Nancy Kimball, b. Jan. 9, 18 13; md. Gardner T. 

Keniston of Haverhill, Mass., where they live. 

IV. Abby Chapman, b. Dec. 26, 1814; md., F'eb. 7, 

1837, John B. Case; d. Apr. 13, 1885. 2 
chil. : 

1. Frances S. Case, b. June 12, 1838; md.. 

Mar. 15, 1866, John H. Keeler of 
West Newbury, Mass.; d. Nov. 24, 
1879. 3 chil. 

2. Hannibal G. Case, b. Feb. 23, 1840; 

md., Sept. 23, 1869, Elizabeth F. 
Coffin. 2 chil. 
v. Abner Smith, b. Mar. 23, 1817 ; md., Dec. i, 1842, 
Amanda Davis. Settled in Albany, Ga., and 
d. Sept. 5, 1848. 3 chil., all d. 
VI. Mary Miranda, b. June 29, 1820. Unmd. 

Second marriage : 

VII. Philomela, b. Oct. 14, 1823; md., June 17, 1847, 
Edwin E. Wilder of Bridgton ; d. Mar. 27, 
1868. ■ 4 chil.: 

1. Kate P. Wilder, b. Feb. 14, 1849; md., 

June 13, 187 1, Daniel C. Bartlett of 
Haverhill, Mass. 3 chil, 

2. Edwin G. Wilder, b. Aug. 29, 1852. 

3.. Helen J. Wilder, b. May 8, 1857; md., 
May 9, 1879, Charles M. Carter of 
Denver, Col. 2 chil. 
4. Genevieve S. Wilder, b. Apr. 27, 1861. 
VIII. Josephine, b, Dec. 6, 1826. Unmd, 
IX. Sophia, b. July 19, 1830; md., Nov. 25, 1852, 
Christopher W- Wilder of Conway, N. H. 3 
chil. : 



490 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



17 



19 



22 
23 



24 
25 



26 



27 
28 



George S. Wilder, b. May 14, 1856; 

md., Apr. 22, 1879, ^^rrie Yeaton. 

2 chil. 
Annette A. Wilder, b. Oct. 26, 1857 ; 

md., July I, 1878, Haven A. Quint of 

Conway, N. H. 2 chil. 
Harry P. Wilder, b. Aug. 16, 1863. 



Nathaniel Greenwood, Jr., brother of Ebenezer, was 
also a native of Dublin, N. H., and was born Dec. 27 1790. 
When he was three years old, his father removed to Bethel, 
where his youth was spent, and where he married, May ii, 
1815, Huldah, daughter of Jacob and Betty (Foster) 
Howe. In January, 1832, Mr. Greenwood came to Farm- 
ington, and located on the farm now (1885) owned by the 
heirs of Peter W. Manter. He engaged somewhat in the 
lumber business, and was the first in town to introduce 
the making of hogshead-shooks, an industry he pursued 
several years with success. 

The family of Mr. Greenwood, with limited opportuni- 
ties, have taken a high rank in scholarly attainments, 

Mrs. Greenwood was born May 25, 1796, and is passing 
a quiet old age at the residence of her son, Z. H. Green- 
wood. Her husband d. Apr. 15, 1867. Ten children: — 

I. Julia, b. Mar. 14, 18 16 ; md., in 1847, George B. 
Brown of New Sharon, who d. May 4, 1862. 

2 chil., both d. 

II. Mason Knap, b. July 17, 18 18 ; d. Dec. 9, 1827. 

III. Albert Newton, b. Aug. 14, 1820; md., in 1845, 

Matilda A. Soule ; resides at Fairfield. He 
has been County Commissioner for two terms. 
I child. 

IV. * Zina Hyde, b. Sept. 21, 1824. 

V. Alfred Alanson, b. Feb. 25, 1827 ; md., Jan. i, 
185 1, Eliza Ann Ness, who d. in Mar., 1867. 
He md. (2), in 1868, Mrs. Amelia Greenwood. 
Resides in Attica, Ind. 5 chil. 
VI. Marcia Almeda, b. Mar. 28, 1829; md., July i, 
1847, Ira Armsby, who d. Sept. 20, 1849 ; md. 
(2), Oct. 9, 1852, Zadoc Mayhew of Hampden, 
who d. Nov. 23, i860; md. (3), Nov. 11, 1863, 
Cyrus G., son of David Morrill, q. v. 2 chil., 
both d. 
VII. Huldah Jennie, b. June 17, 183 1 ; d. at Haverhill, 

Mass., Mar. 28, 1885. 
VIII. Alma Esther, b. May 11, 1833; md., in 1858, 
James H. BuUen. Resides in Winfield, Kan. 

3 chil. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



491 



IX. Charles Mellen, b. Dec. 31, 1834; d. Dec. 14, 
1836. 

X. Charles^ b. F'eb. 17, 1837 ; md., Nov. 27, 1862, 
Martha A. Prescott of Hallowell. For several 
years he was a hardware merchant in Farming- 
ton, but removed to Augusta, and later to 
Lewiston, where he successfully conducts the 
same business. 3 chil. 



Noah Cresey Greenwood, son of Ebenezer, lives as a 
farmer on a part of the homestead. He is regarded as an 
upright and honest citizen. He md., June 17, 1845, Susan 
Tarbox, who was b. in New Gloucester, June 13, 1824; d. 
Nov. 15, 1863. He md. (2), Aug. 14, 1867, Mrs. Rebecca 
(Tibbetts) Gordon of Wilton. Five children by first 
marriage : — 

I. Louis D'Alvere, b. Apr. 20, 1846; md., Nov. 10, 
1867, Bertha H. Hall, who was b. Oct. 22, 
1849. Lives in Portland. 3 chil. 

Edwin Henry, b. Dec. 11, 1847. 

Harley, b. Oct. 15, 1849; ""'d-; Mar. 27, 1873, 
Nettie Hodgkins of Damariscotta, b. Oct. 22, 
1855. He is an engineer, and resides in Elk- 
hart, Jnd. 

Mary Isabel, b. June 5, 1854; d. Dec. 22, 1864. 

Nellie Cora, b. Nov. 6, 1862 ; d. Aug. 8, 1863. 



II. 
III. 



IV. 
V. 



ZiNA Hyde Greenwood, a son of Nathaniel, first settled 
in Augusta, and pursued his trade as a carpenter until 
1854, when he came to Farmington, and settled on the 
Jesse Buttertield, Sr., farm. Mr. Greenwood is a partner 
and agent of the " Sandy River Corn-Packing Co." He 
served the town as one of its selectmen in 1865-66-67-68 
and 1876-77. He md., Nov. 8, 1849, Emily M. Fellows, 
b. in Athens, June 11, 1829. Six children : — 

I, Edward, b. Nov. 17, 1850; md., Jan. i, 1880, 
Emma R. Dutton, b. at Phillips, Nov. 27, 
i860. 
II. Albert Mellen, b. Feb. 2, 1853 ; md., June 24, 
1882, Affie M. Sanborn, b. Jan. 7, 1861. Is a 
jeweler at Phillips. 

III. OrTille Short, b. July 14, 1855 ; md., Apr. 22, 

1882, Cora L., dau. of Jairus L. and Caroline 
(Adams) Prescott. 2 chil. 

IV. Chester, b. Dec. 4, 1858; md., Oct. 12, 1884, 

Isabel S. Whittier. i child. 
V. Lizzie Arms by, b. Apr. 13, 186 1. 
VI. Eviilie, b. June 28, 1863. 



492 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Bartholomew Heath was an early settler at Newbury, but the name is 
not common in the early annals of New England. Benjamin Heath was 
of Irish extraction, and his ancestors probably came to America in the 
eighteenth century. 



(7) 



12 

13 



14 



Benjamin Heath, one of the pioneer settlers in the 
Sandy River valley, came from Freetown, Mass., in 1792, 
and purchased of William Kannady what is now called the 
Heath farm. Here he lived until 18 17, cultivating the 
soil and following the trade of a blacksmith. At that time 
he removed to Salem with his younger sons, and built the 
first mills in the place. Mr. Heath was b. in 1750; md., 
Sept. 28, 1772, Deborah Ashley (b. in 1749); and d. in 
1826. Plight children : — 

I. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 24, 1774; md., Jan. 25, 1795, 

Joshua B. Lowell, q. v.\ d. Nov. 20, 1822. 
II. John, b. Oct. 6, 1776; md., May 14, 1797, 
Susanna Parker; d, in Strong. 

III. Elijah, b. Jan. 17, 1778; md,, Jan. 14, 1799 

(pub.), Mrs. Mary Tower; d. in Salem. 

IV. Deborah, b. Sept. 27, 1781 ; d. July 20, 1791. 

V. Lydia, b. Apr. 24, 1784; d. in Belfast, Aug. 18, 

1868 ; unmd. 
VI. *J5cnjamin, b. Feb. 7, 1778. 

vti. Simeon Ashley, b. Oct. 17, 1791 ; md., Oct. 26, 
1818, Mary Hinkley ; d. Nov. 8, 1877. She d. 
Apr. 25, 1874. 6 chil. 
VIII. Deborah, b, Sept. 17, 1794; md. Josiah Brown. 
2 chil. 



Benjamin Heath, Jr., was a native of Freetown, Mass., 
where and in Farmington his early life was spent. In 
1815 he made the first "chopping" in what is now the 
town of Salem, and removed thither in 18 17. Mr. Heath 
held the office of selectman for several years ; he was by 
trade a blacksmith. He md,, June 22, 1809, Ruth Hink- 
ley, who d. Oct. 22, 1859 ; he d. May 3, 1870. Seven chil- 
dren : — 

I. Benjamin, b. Oct. 2, 1810; md., Feb,, 1834, Mary 

J. Hinkley; d. July 8, 1S58. 
II. Efioch Hinkley, b. Sept. 20, 1812; md., July 10, 

1840, Olive L). Hinkley; d. Aug, 2, 1864. 

III, *Daniel b. Sept, 27, 1S14. 

IV. John Church, b. Mar. 22, 1818; md., Nov, 30, 

1841, Julia Ann, dau. of Louis Voter, q. v.\ d, 
in Salem. 

v, Caroline Nickersoti, b. May 22, 182 1 ; unmd. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



493 



»5 

i6 

;i2) 



17 
18 

19 



VI. Elizabeth Lowell, b. Mar. 6, 1823 ; md., Aug. 24, 

1839, Philip Harris. Resides in Lowell. 
VII. Maria/i, b. July 3, 1826; md., Dec. 14, 1853, 
George W. Mills. Resides in Salem. 4 chil. 



Daniel Heath, son of the preceding, was born in 
Farmington, but when a child went to Salem with his 
parents, where he resided forty years. He followed the 
calling of his father, and held many municipal positions in 
his adopted town. He was also postmaster and justice of 
the peace. Col. Heath early became connected with the 
militia, and rose to the command of the third regiment. 
He returned to Farmington in 1857, and has since been a 
resident of the West village. He md., Jan. 18, 1837, 
Milaann, dau. of Henry and Mercy (Braley) Record, who 
was born at Readfield, June 19, 1818. Three children : — 

I. Charles Melvin, b. Jan. 26, i! 
i860, Marcia C. S., dau. 
g. V. ; d. Dec, 31, 1861. i 
II. Daniel Collamore {vide page 
1843 ; md., Jan, 6, 1881, 
Knox. 2 chil, 
Mary Alfhea, b. Nov. 13, 1848 ; md., July 2, 1868, 
Volney H. Foss. Resides in Bangor, 3 chil. 



; md., Apr. 17, 
of Charles Davis, 
child. 

290), b. Oct. 26, 
Mrs. Nelly Lloyd 



in. 



No accurate information has been obtained regarding the ancestry of 
this family. The earliest of this name known to have been in New 
England were William Hersey and his son James, who were at Hingham, 
Mass., in 1C65. 



Nathaniel Hersey first settled in that part of Hallo- 
well now Augusta, where he held various positions under 
the municipal government of the town. He was taxed 
ten shillings for his "faculty," in 1777, with four other 
citizens of the town, who were regarded as possessing 
most business capacity. In 1795 he bought of Samuel 
Briggs the farm now owned by Melvin and Laforest Tufts, 
on the west side of the river, to which he removed with his 
family in the winter of 1796. He married Lucy White, 
and had a large family of children, seven of whom were 
daughters. They were remarkable for intelligence and 
ladylike deportment, and have become the mothers and 
grandmothers of numerous descendants, one of whom has 
gratified the musical taste of the Old World, as well as the 
New, by her extraordinary musical powers, and has been 
called the "American Queen of Song." Capt. Hersey 
d. Oct. 24, 18 1 7, aged 75 years. His wife cl. Mar. 28, 
1843, aged 80 years. Twelve children : — 



63 



494 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



9 

lO 



I. James, b. Apr. 6, 1780; mcL, Nov. 17, 1807 
(pub.), Susan Butler; d. Aug, 17, 1848. 2 
chil., both d. 
II. Abigail, b. Mar. 12, 1782; md., Sept. 20, 1804, 
Huxford M. Holley, q. v.\ md. (2), in 1818, 
Noah Drury; d. Mar. 6, 1851. 
in. Nathaniel, b. Oct. 13, 1783 ; d. in the West. 
IV. Samuel, b. July 28, 1785. A soldier in the war of 

1812. 
V. John, b. May 9, 1787 ; md., Feb. 28, 1827 (pub.), 
Mary Ann West of Hallowell ; d. of cholera in 
New Orleans about 1835. 4 chil. 
Mary, b. May 12, 1789 ; md., Oct. 3, 1812 (pub.), 

William Drury; d. Feb. 5, 1845. 8 chil. 
George, b. Mar. 9, 1791 ; d. in South Carolina. 
VIII. Annah, b. Jan. 24, 1794; md., Oct. 20, 1820, Rev. 
John Allen, q. v.; d. June 24, 1875. 
IX. Betsey, b. Mar. 18, 1796; md., Nov. 28, 182 1, 

Joseph Holley, q. v.; d. Aug., 183 1. 
X. Sally, b. Dec. 21, 1798; md., Nov. 23, 1820, 

Freeman Butler, q. v. ; d. Feb. i, 1862. 
XI. Paulina, b. Dec. 27, 1801 ; md.. May 10, 1837 (pub.), 

Thaddeus Mayhew ; d. Sept. 21, 1870; s. p. 
XII. Elvira, b, Jan. 6, 1804; md., Mar. 12, 1834, 
Henry A. Brooks; d. July 12, 1844. 4 chil. 



VI. 



VII. 



Hillman* 

A tradition among the Hillmans states that from John Hillman, who 
was the immigrant ancestor of the Farmington families, are sprung all 
persons of the name who reside in this country. He came to the island 
of Martha's Vineyard in the latter part of the seventeenth century, 
having been stolen when a lad of sixteen from a fishing-boat on the river 
Thames in England. He followed the trade cf a worsted-comber, and 
after his marriage settled in Chilmark. His wife was Hannah Cottle of 
Tisbury. Their grandson Benjamin was the father of Robert Hillman, 
who settled upon the homestead in Chilmark. He married. May 11, 
1769, his cousin Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Hillman, and they were 
the parents of ten children. 

1 I Uriel Hillman, the fifth son of Robert and Rebecca 
(Hillman) Hillman, was born at Chilmark, Mass., Feb. 3, 
1775. He pursued the trade of a house-joiner in his 
native town until 1807, when he removed to Farmington, 
and bought a farm in the northeast part of the town, where 
he spent his life. He was an industrious and successful 
farmer, and respected for his integrity of character. He 
md., in 1797, Betsey Adams, b. at Chilmark, Mass., May 
6, 1774; d. Mar. 25, 1858. His death occurred Jan. 23, 
i86r. Ten children : — 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 49S 

I. Sophronia, b. in Chilmark, Mass., July 14, 1798; 

d. Jan. 3r, 1883; unmd. 
II. Isaiah, b. in Chilmark, Mar. 14, 1800; ind., Sept. 
14, 1825, his cousin, Maria Hillman, who d. 
May 8, 1841 ; md. (2), Jan. 26, 1846, Sarah 
Lambert ; d. July 24, 1870. She d. Feb. 16, 
1875. Resided on Martha's Vineyard. 6 
chil. 

III. ^Gilbert Hussell, b. in Tisbury, Mass., Mar. 16, 

1802. 

IV. * Alexander, b. in Tisbury, Feb. 14, 1804. 

V. Harriet, b. in Tisbur}^, July 8, 1806; d. Apr. i, 

1879 ; unmd. 
VI. John, b. Nov. 13, 1808 ; d. Sept. 24, 1862. 
VII. Betsey Adams, b. Aug. 13, 18 10. Unmd. 
VIII. Cordelia, b. Dec. i, 18 12 ; md., in 1830, Dexter B. 
Nevins, who d. July 23, 1883. Resides in 
East Hampton, Mass. 10 chil. 
IX. Isabella, b. July 7, 1815. Unmd. 
X. Rebecca, b. May 5, 1817 ; d. Apr. 9, 1820, 



Gilbert R. Hillman, at the age of nineteen, went to 
sea, and in June, 182 i, sailed from Edgartown, Mass., in 
the ship Lone, on a whaling voyage round Cape Horn. 
He followed a seafaring life for more than twenty-five 
years, and rose to the command of a whale-ship. He was 
one of the early pioneers to California, where he engaged 
in farming and in the transportation of freights upon the 
Sacramento River. Capt. Hillman is a man of energy 
and industry, and whatever he undertakes is sure to result 
in pecuniary success. His farm, situated in the north 
part of the town, is, in all its surroundings, a model of the 
neatness and thrift which characterize its owner. He 
md., in 1826, Mary, dau. of Abel and Dorris (Davis) 
Pettengill. Eight children : — 

I. Robert, b. Apr. 16, 1827; resides in California; 

unmd. 
II. Sophronia, b. June 26, 1829; md., June 11, 1855, 
Dr. John Almond, son of John and Eliza 
(Thomas) Richards, who was b. Sept. 26, 1829. 
4 chil. : 

1. Edmund Russell Richards, b. June 27, 

1857- 

2. Elmer Ellsworth Richards, b. Aug. 24, 

1861 ; md., July 14, 1884, Mabel 
Estelle Austin. 

3. Efiie May Richards, b. Mar. 16, 1866. 

4. Frank Morrison Richards, b. Dec. 13, 

1868. 



496 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



18 


III. 


19 


IV. 


20 




21 


V. 



23 
24 

(5) 



25 
26 



27 
28 

29 
30 
31 
32 



34 

35 



VII. 
VIII. 



Mariah, b, Dec. 17, 1830 ; d. Oct. 27, 1862. 
Margaret, b. Aug. 27, 1832 ; nid., Oct. 29, 1859, 

Benjamin Athern Davis, b. Mar. 4, 1832. 

Resides in New Vineyard, i child : 

I. Fred Gerald Davis, b. June 15, 1869. 

Rebecca, b. Jan. 16, 1837 "' ^'^•1 Nov. 13, 1859, 
Joseph E. Blabon. Resides in Portland. 

Mary Elizabeth, b. Jan. 31, 1840; md. John 
Stoyell, who d. in 1859. 

Gilbert Russell, b. June i, 1843 ; d. Sept. 3, 1847. 

Gilbert Russell, b. Nov. 16, 1848. 



Alexander Hillman, brother of the preceding, settled 
upon the James Rowings farm, in the northeast part of the 
town, but afterwards removed to the " Davis " farm, in 
that part of Farmington formerly Industry. This faim, 
which is the largest in area within the town limits, Mr. 
Hillman cultivated for more than thirty years. His indus- 
try was proverbial, and he ranked among the largest 
farmers in the County. He md., Oct. 17, 1824 (pub.). 
Thankful (b. Apr. 6, 1805 ; d. Apr. 3, 185 1), dau. of Abel 
and Dorris (Davis) Pettengill ; he md. (2), Jane Churchill, 
who d. Mar. x, 1855 ; he md. (3) Mrs, Mary Jane Lawry ; 
he d. May 15, 1881. Seven children by first marriage : — 



I. 

II. 



IV. 



VI. 
VII. 



Uriel, b. Feb. 11, 1826; d. Apr. 12, 1864; unmd. 
Abel Pettengill, b. Apr. 9, 1828 ; resides upon the 

homestead ; unmd. 
Isaiah, b. Oct. 24, 1830 ; resides in Adin, Cal. ; 

unmd. 
Dorris Pettengill, b. Feb. 18, 1833 ; md., Feb. 28, 

1859, David Winslow Presson. 4 chil.: 

1. Mary Elizabeth Presson, b. Feb. 10, 

i860 ; d. Jan. 9, 1863. 

2. Lilly Bell Presson, b. Sept. 4, 1861 ; d. 

Mar. 14, 1862. 

3. George McLellan Presson, b. Aug. i, 

1864. 

4. Alexander Hillman Presson, b. Jan. 16, 

1873- 

Gilbert Russell, b. Feb. 23, 1835 ; md., Sept. 13, 
1859, Mary H. Hardy ; resides in New Vine- 
yard. 3 chil. 

Alexander, b. Jan. 8, 1837 ; d. Jan. 19, 1863. 

Elizabeth Ann, b. Sept. 9, 1839 ; md., Sept. 9, 
i860, Justin Luce of New Vineyard; d. Dec. 
21, 1862. 2 chil. 



GEMEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



497 



fits cock. 

This name is the same as Hitchcock, and is thus spelled by some 
branches of the family. The Hitchcocks were an early Connecticut 
family, but Thomas Hiscock is not known to have any connection with 
them. 



Thomas Hiscock was born, probably in Nobleborough, 
on the Damariscotta River, Oct. 25, 1753. He removed 
to the township in 1783 with his wife, whose maiden name 
was Anna Knowlton (a sister of Jonathan Knowlton, ^. v.), 
and two children, ancl settled on front-lot No. 8, west side, 
now (1885) owned by Samuel G. Craig. Mr. Hiscock 
was a shoemaker, and, combining his trade with his farm- 
ing operations, became a wealthy farmer. He was a 
selectman in 1802, and town treasurer in 1809. He was 
a charter trustee of Farmington Academy, but resigned 
the position after seven years. Mrs. Hiscock was b., 
probably in Ipswich, Mass., Aug. 21, 1759; d. April, 
1846. Mr. Hiscock d. May, 1826. Nine children: — 

I. * Joseph, b. in Nobleborough, Dec. 9, 1780. 
II. Martha, b. in Nobleborough, Mar. 21, 1782; d. 
Feb. 13, 1788. 

III. Hannah, b. Aug. 12, 1785; md., June 16, 1803, 

Otis, son of Peter Corbett, q. v.; d. Dec. 9, 
1834, 12 chil. 

IV. Martha, b. May 14, 1788; md., Dec. i, 1808, 

Zachariah Butterlield ; d. May 19, 1843. 
V. Mary, b. Aug. 17, 1789; md., Dec. 28, 1809, 

Isaac Butterlield, q. v. 
VI. Anna, b. Oct. 16, 1791 ; md., Oct. 15, 1811, 

William Adams, q. v. 
VII. Thomas, b. Apr. 2, 1795; md., Dec. 4, 1817, 
Sally Parker, who d. Feb. 25, 1826. He md. 
(2), Mar. 2, 1826, Ruth Thomas ; d. Sept. 4, 
1842. She d. Mar. 6, 1874. 
VIII. * Samuel, b. Dec. 19, 1796. 
IX. Sarah, b. June 10, 1801 ; md., Dec. 28, 181 8, 
Ebenezer Knowlton, q. v. 



Joseph Hiscock was a native of Nobleborough, and 
came with his father to the township when a child. He 
made his home upon the southern portion of the home- 
stead, and engaged in farming, but subsequently embarked 
in various enterprises which proved disastrous, and the 
accumulation of former years was swept away. He md., 
Feb. 17, 1807, Betsey, dau. of Capt. William Hiscock of 
Strong. His death occurred May 24, 1857, and she d. 
Aug. 18, 1866. Seven children: — 



498 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



12 

14 

IS 
i6 

17 

(9) 



18 

20 
2 1 



23 

24 
25 

(18) 



26 

27 

28 

(25) 



29 
30 



I. Richard (vide page 300), b. Dec. 17, 1808; md., 
Sept. 30, 1836 (pub.), Maria Read of Berlin ; 
d. Feb. 3, 1859. 3 chil. 
II. Nancy, b. July 15, 1810; d. Feb. 20, 181 1. 

III. Hiram, b. July 15, 1812 ; md., Apr. 27, 1838, 

Mary Hoyt ; d. Oct. 25, 1874. She was b. 
June 7, 18 18, and survives him. 9 chil. 

IV. Jane, b. Apr. 9, 1814; md. Tillinghast Mowry ; d. 

in Millbury, Mass. i child. 
V. Darius, b. Oct. 20, 1817 ; d. Dec. 13, 182 1. 
VI. Harriet, b. Sept. i, 1819; d. June 6, 1880; unmd. 
VII. Darius, b. May 20, 1824; d. young. 



Samuel Hiscock first settled in Chesterville, and after- 
wards removed to New Vineyard, where his death oc- 
curred, July I, 1878. He md., Sept. 10, 18 18, Phebe 
Thomas. She was b. Jan. 27, 1799; d. July 15, 1882. 
Eight children : — 

I. * John, b. Apr. 17, 18 19. 

II. Sarah, b. Oct. 10, 1821; md., June 8, 1840, 
George Morton. 

III. William, b. Oct. 27, 1823 ; d. Sept. 2, 1825. 

IV. Mary, b. Aug. 30, 1826; md., Mar. 15, 1851, 

James Ridgway. Resides in New Vineyard. 
V. Samuel, b. Mar. 19, 1829; md., Sept. 13, 1853, 
Hannah Cogswell. Resides in Aroostook 
County. 
VI. Joanna, b. Sept. 30, 183 1 ; md., May i, i860, S. 

Drew. Stewart. 
VII. Tho7nas, b. Mar. 8, 1834; d. Jan. 17, 1835. 
VIII. * William, b. Jan. 22, 1836. 

John Hiscock served an apprenticeship at an iron- 
foundry, and attained some distinction in that department 
of mechanics. He now devotes himself to farming. He 
md., Nov. 23, 1844, Susan L. Deane, b. in Hampden, 
June 24, 1820. Three children: — 

I. George, b. July 3, 1846 ; d. July 30, 1846. 
II. Charlotte Augusta, b. July 19, 1847 ; md., Nov. 5, 

1882, Ira Vaughan of Odell, 111. 
III. John jEugene, b. Dec. 23, 1854; md., Dec. 29, 
1877, Angle Corbett. i child. 



William Hiscock resides upon the Thomas Wendell 
farm, where he is extensively engaged in farming. He 
md. Mary Adelaide, dau. of Thomas Wendell, Jr., q. v. 
Five children : — 

I. William Lyon, b. Aug. 22, 1857. 
II. Thomas Wendell, b. Dec. 4,1859. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



499 



31 


III. 


32 


IV. 


zz 


V. 



Elizabeth Adelaide, b. June 24, 1862. 

Infant son, b. March 19, 1866; d. June 2, 1866. 

George Samuel, b. June 12, 1875. 



This is a famil)- whose ancestors settled on the island of Martha's 
Vineyard, where genealogical records are meager and incomplete. The 
author has not traced the line of descent beyond the founder of the name 
in Farmington, from whom all the families herein mentioned are sprung. 



John Holley was born Feb. 16, 1746, at Martha's 
Vineyard, Mass., and came to the township about 1792. 
He purchased a part of back-lot No. 29, east side, now 
owned by his grandson, Jeremy P. Holley. Capt. Holley 
served as a selectman in 1801. He md., July 4, 1777, 
Hephzibah Marchant, b. Oct. 18, 1756. He d. July 17, 
18 1 7. Six children, all born at Martha's Vineyard except 
the youngest : — 

I. Huxford Marchant, b. May 26, 1778; md., Sept. 
20, 1804, Abigail, dau. of Nathaniel Hersey, 
q. v.; d. Oct. 2, 18 10; she d. March 6, 1851. 
2 chil. 

II. Betsey, b. May 2, 1781 ; md., June 2, 1799, Jon- 

athan Look, who settled in New Vineyard ; d. 
Aug. 5, 1858; he d. April 4, 1850, aged 77 
years. 

III. ^Johti, b. Nov. 21, 1783. 

IV. ^William, b. April 7, 1786. 

V. Hephzibah, b. June 24, 1791 ; d. Feb. 18, 1793. 
VI. ^Joseph, b. July 11, 1797. 



John Holley, Jr., began life as a farmer, but subse- 
quently went into trade at Backus Corner as the partner 
of Henry Johnson. His mercantile operations not result- 
ing successfully, he retired to his farm, where he died 
March 30, 1845. Capt. Holley took a lively interest 
in military affairs ; at one time he commanded the 
company of cavalry, and was popular as an officer. 
He md., Dec. 9, 1812, Fliza Holway, b. in Sandwich, 
Mass., March 16, 1788; d. March 19, 1869. Ten chil- 
dren : — 

I. * Marchant, b. Oct. 31, 18 13. 
II. John, b. May 26, 1815; md., Jan. 18, 1843, Susan 

Manter. Lives in New. Sharon. 4 chil. 
III. Eliza Ann, b. Feb. 6, 1817; md. (2), Oct. 22, 
1870, George M. Hanson. Resides in Lake 
Port, Cal. 



500 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



II 

12 

13 

IS 

16 



17 



(5) 



IS 

20 
21 



23 

(7) 

24 
25 

26 



IV. ^Leonard, b. Sept. 16, 18 18. 
V. Hephzibah, b. May 8, 1820; d. April 8, 1844. 
VI. *Levi, b. March 16, 1822. 
VII. * Charles Mmiroe, b. Nov. 27, 1824. 
VIII. Hannah Hilliard, b. Jan. 27, 1826. 
IX. J/ary Stewart, b. Feb. 19, 1828; mcL, June 3, 
1847, George Manter of Industry; d. June i, 
1875 ; he d. March 5, 1885. 
X. Josiah Henderson, b. Aug. 11, 1832. He succeed- 
ed to the homestead after his brother Levi's 
death, but failing health induced him to sell 
his farm and seek restoration by a residence in 
California. He derived no benefit from the 
change, and d. in Florence, Kan., on his way 
home, April 19, 1883. He md., April 3, 1859, 
Hattie F., dau. of Gideon Purington, who was 
b. in Norridgewock, Aug. 9, 1837 ; s. p. 



William Holley was a farmer, and acquired a large 
estate. He was remarkable tor his untiring industry. 
He md., May 5, i8ii, Sarah Daggett, who d. April 15, 
1826, aged 33 years. He md. (2), Oct. 22, 1826, Susan 
Daggett, who d. April 22, 1879. He d. Feb. 16, 1859. 
Six children : — 

I. * Henry, b. Nov. 18, 1813. 

II. Susati, b. May 29, 1815 ; md., Jan. 22, 1839, 
Marchant Holley, q. v. 

III. * Hiram, b. April 29, 181 7. 

IV. Sarah, b. Sept., 1821; md., Feb. 28, 1841, John 

J. Stewart of New Vineyard; d. Jan. 15, 1856. 

Second marriage : 

V. Harriet Ann, b. Aug. 18, 1829; md., July 21, 
1853, Charles M. Holley,^. v. 
*George, b. July 22, 1831. 



VI. 



Joseph Holley succeeded to the homestead, and was 
a respected citizen. He md., Nov, 28, 182 i, Betsey, dau. 
of Nathaniel Hersey, q. v., who d. August, 1831 ; he md. 
(2), June 18, 1832, Mary, dau. of Ezekiel Porter, q. v., who 
d. July 27, 1875. He d. Aug. 7, 1869. Six children : — 

I. Lucy Ann, b. Sept. 5, 1826; md., Feb. 16, 1871, 

Joseph Bangs. 
II. Joseph, b. Oct. 9, 1828; md., May, i860, Elizabeth 
Graham of West Minot. Resides in Stillwater, 
Nevada. 2 chil. 

Second marriage : 

III. Mary, b. May 22, 1833 ; md., June 5, 1853, James 
F., son of Freeman Ijutler, q. v. 



27 
28 



29 



(8) 



3° 
31 
32 

33 

34 
35 
36 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 501 

IV. *Jcreffiy Porter, b. March 3, 1835. 
V. y^//;/, b. Nov. 27, 1S38. Resides in Stillwater, 

Nevada ; unmd. 
VI. 77iirza Cottle, b. Dec. 26, 1840; md., Dec, 1858, 

John Wesley Jewett, who d. Sept. 15, 1882! 

Resides in Glidden, Iowa, i child. 



37 

38 
39 

40 

(X3) 



Marchant Holley is a mason by trade, and has also 
been a successful farmer. He is an acceptable local 
Methodist preacher. He md., Jan. 22, 1839, Susan, dau. 
of William Holley, g. v. Seven children : — 

I. William Marchant, b. Jan. 12, 1842; md., March 

13, 1866, S. Augusta Paine, i child. 
II. Joseph, b. May 29, 1844; nid., April 8, 1866, 
Cordelia A. Furbush. 2 chil. 

III. Sarah Elizabeth, b. July 13, 1846; md., July 8, 

1867, Jerome B. Knapp. Resides in Indian- 
apolis, Ind. 

IV. James Belcher, b. March 31, 1849; md., Sept. 3, 

1876, H. Josephine, dau. of Hiram A. Butler' 
q. V. 2 chil. 
v. Emma Susan, b. Aug. 13, 185 1; md., Dec. 25, 

1875, Calvin G. Carville ; s. p. 
VI. George Emmons, b. Aug. 3, 1855 ; md., Jan. i, 

1879, Claribel Thompson, i child. 

VII. Alonzo Laforest, b. Dec. 15, 18C7; md., Tune 6 

1880, Mrs. Eliza Goss. ' ' 



Leonard Holley carried on the farm now occupied by 
James B. Holley until impaired health compelled him to 
abandon farming, and he removed to the Center Village. 
He md., Oct. 23, 1843, Sarah E. Eustis, who d. Dec. 27" 
1858; he md. (2), Nov. 28, i860. Alma Eustis, who d.' 
Feb. 24, 1864; he md. (3), July 10, 1864, Irene Brackett ; 
he md. (4), June 6, 1874, p:mily Harris; he md. (5), Mar.' 
3, 1875, Lydia Pope Mace. He d. May 15, 1884. Four 
children : — 

I. Daniel Eustis, b. July 27, 1844; md., Dec. 25, 
1867, Adelaide S. Brawn, who was b. Dec. 7' 
1847. 5 chil. 
ir. Charles Leonard, b. Apr. 11, 1846. Resides in 
Adin, Cal. 

III. Hannah Alma, b. Feb. 14, 185 1; md., June 3, 

187 1, Edmund Thaxter Bangs. Resides in 
Freeman. 

IV. Elizabeth Sarah, b. July 26. 1858. 



Levi Holley was a farmer of energy and thrift, and 
cultivated the homestead farm. Upon his return from 



502 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



41 

42 



43 

(14) 



(18) 



54 

55 
56 
57 



California in 1856, he contracted a disease on the Isthmus 
which resulted in his death, Oct. 5, 1856. He md., Sept. 
30, 1847, Abigail Adams, dau. of William and Eliza 
(Frost) Mosher, who was b. Oct. 8, 1829. Three chil- 
dren : — 

Phebe Eliza, b. Feb. 4, 1850; d. May i, 1867. 
Abbie Augusta, b. Feb. i, 1852'; md., Juiie 15, 

1875, George E. Murphy of Bridgton ; d. Jan. 

20, 1883. 2 chil. 
Ella Mary, b. Mar. 22, 1857. 



I. 
II. 



in. 



Charles M. Holley, the fifth son of John HoUey, Jr., 
is by occupation a farmer, and resides in the west part of 
the town. He spent several years in California, both 
before and after his marriage, finally returning to this 
town in 1858. He md., July 21, 1853, Harriet Ann, dau. 
of William Holley, q. v. Six children : — 

Louisa, b. in Cal., Aug. 8, 1856 ; d. Apr., 1857. 
Charles Edward, b. in Cal., July 18, 1857 ; md., 

Oct. 16, 188 1, Cora M. Brown. 
William Henry, b. Feb. 14, i860. 
May Elorence, b. Dec. i, 1862 ; md., Apr. 5, 1884, 

Daniel H. Soule of Phillips. 
Arthur Walter, b. June 26, 1865. 
John Jerome, b. Feb. 8, 1869. 



44 


I. 


45 


II. 


46 


III. 


47 


IV. 


48 


V. 


49 


VI. 



Henry Holley was a shoemaker and farmer, and 
resided on the Davis farm in the " Holley neighborhood," 
so-called. He was respected for honesty and integrity of 
character. He md., Jan. i, 1838, Dulcina D. Higgins, 
who d. Oct. 15, 1855, aged 36. He md. (2), Apr. 8, 1856, 
Mrs. Eliza (Smith) Wade of Woolwich, b. Apr. 15, 18 13. 
He d. Mar, 27, 1861. Eight children: — 

Charles Henry, b. Nov. 6, 183S ; d. Apr. 26, 1840. 
Lizzie Higgins. b. July 30, 1840; md., in 1873, 

Hiram Wright; d. Sept. 19, 1876. 
Charles Henry, b. Jan. 6, 1842 ; d. in Kansas in 

1866. 
Julia Hortense, b. Feb. 7, 1844; md., Mar. 4, 

1866, Abner Corbett ; d. Apr. i, 1883. He d. 
Oct. 16, 1879. 

Susan Columbia, b. Sept. 2, 1845 i """^l-' .U'^e 22, 

1867, Lucellus Timberlake of Livermore ; d. 
Nov. 23, 1879. 

Apphia Gill, b. Aug. 4, 1848 ; md , Feb. 16, 1870, 
Herbert A, Millett of Campello, Mass. 
VII. Frank Field, b. Dec. 10, 1850; md., Oct., 1875, 

Maria Dolbier of Kingfield ; d. Nov., 1877. 
viii. Georgiana, b. June 21, 1853; d. Sept. 18, 1875. 



5° 


I. 


51 


II. 


52 


III. 


53 


IV. 



VI. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



503 



Hiram Holley was a shoemaker as well as a farmer. 
He lived on the Jonathan Butler farm, and was distin- 
cjuished by his honest dealings and industrious habits. 
He md., Dec. 31, 1838, Sophia Ann, dau. of Freeman 
Butler, q. v.\ d. Oct. 11, 1859. Eight children: — 

I. Sarah Mehitable, b. Jan. 6, 1840; d. Aug. 4, 1855. 
II. Elizabeth Wendell, b. Jan. 20, 1842 ; md., Dec. 19, 

1 86 1, Wesley R. Cothren, q. v. 
in. Ellen Caroline, b. July 19, 1844; md., May 26, 
1864, Benj. F. Atkinson, i child : 
I. Leroy Atkinson, b. June 29, 1882. 
Clarence Eugene, b. Mar. 19, 1847. Resides at 

Fort Fairfield. 
Louise Butler, b. Jan. 14, 1850; md., July 10, 

1870, R. Hanly Smith. 
Warren Qilman, b. Aug. 19, 1852 ; d. Mar. 24, 

1873- 
Alice Elvira, b. Dec. 31, 1856; d. June 8, 1872. 
Annie Page, b. July 9, 1859 ; md., Oct. 9, 1880, 

Leonard B. Bangs, i child. 



IV. 



VII. 
VIII. 



George Holley succeeded to the homestead, and is a 
large and successful farmer. He md., Sept. 8, 1859, 
Rachel Emeline, dau. of Nathan W. Backus, q. v. Three 
children : — 

I. Augusta Backus, b. Apr. 21, 186 r ; md., June 20, 

1885, Llewellyn M. Felch of Linneus. 
II. An?iie Abbott, b. Aug. 4, 1864. 
III. Florence Emma, b. Nov. 29, 1869. 



Jeremy P. Holley succeeded to the farm which his 
father and grandfather reclaimed from the wilderness, to 
which he has made large additions by purchase. He is 
the inventor of " Holley's steel plow," which is regarded 
with great favor in agricultural circles, and the niifnutacture 
of which he has secured by letters patent. He md., Sept. 
22, 1865, Mary Frances, dau. of Nathaniel B. Voter, q. v. 
Two children : — 

I. Wilbert Porter, b. Sept. 13, 1868. 
II Lucy Frances, b. Jan. 29, 1872, 



Bu titer* 

The remote ancestors of this family were natives of Scotland, where 
they held an honorable rank for centuries. The great-grandfather of the 
Hunter brothers who came to the valley of the Sandy River removed 
from Scotland to Londonderry, in the north of Ireland, in 1656, when his 
country was rent by the dissensions between the Catholic and Protestant 
parties. His son Henry was born in Londonderry in 1676, and married 



504 



HISTORY OF FARMTNGTON. 



Nancy Kennedy. They were the parents of three sons, John, Matthew, 
and Henry, the last of whom came to America before the French war 
and married Sarah Weyer, from Londonderry, Ireland. The ceremony 
is said to have taken place under the great elm on Boston Common. 
His wife dying four years after their marriage, he married a second time, 
in 1760, a woman from Londonderry, N. H., bearing the same name as 
his first wife. These parents removed to Bristol, and had born to them 
a family of six sons and two daughters, among whom were John, David 
and James Hunter, who came to Strong, and Thomas Hunter, who came 
to Farmington in the latter part of the last or beginning of the present 
century. 



Thomas Hunter was born in Bristol, Aug. 21, 1784, 
and first settled in Strong, where he operated mills in 
connection with farming until 1823, when he purchased of 
Capt. Benjamin Butler the farm next above the Center 
Village, to which he removed, and where he lived until his 
death, Jan. 28, 1865. Mr. Hunter was a man of spotless 
purity of character, and was highly respected m the intel- 
ligent community with which he was surrounded. He was 
for many years a deacon in the Congregational Church, 
and adorned the ofifice. He was in many ways a remark- 
able man. His mechanical ingenuity was extraordinary, 
and his musical attainments of a high order lor the times 
in which he lived. He md.. May 20, 18 19, Martha Stoyell, 
dau. of Supply Belcher, q. v. Six children : — 

I. Betsey Belcher^ b. Feb. 24, 1820 ; d. Nov. 8, 1846 ; 
unmd. 

II. Margaret More, b. Sept. 6, 1823; md., June 17, 
1845, John Warren, son of Dr. Lafayette Per- 
kins, q. v.\ d. May 12, i860. 5 chil. 

III. Nancy, b. May 27, 1826. Unmd. 

IV. * Thomas Hetiry, b. May 26, 1829. 

V. Martha Abigail, b. May 19, 1832. Unmd. 
VI. Charlotte Belcher, b. Sept. 6, 1836 ; md., Aug. 30, 
1875, Reuben Cutler, q. v. 



Thomas Hunter, 2D, the son of James (brother of the 
preceding) and Rachel (Dodge) Hunter, was born in 
Strong, April 30, 1807. In early life Mr. Hunter was a 
school-teacher, but his vocation was that of a mechanic. 
He possessed a full share of that mechanical ingenuity for 
which the family of Hunter is remarkable, and was compe- 
tent in almost any of the mechanical arts, being a black- 
smith, stone-cutter, carpenter, millwright, and house-joiner. 
In 1853 he went to the Sandwich Islands for the purpose 
of erecting a mill on the Island of Hawaii. He framed 
the building at Farmington Falls, shipped it to the Islands 
and put it into successful operation there. He md., Dec. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



505 



13 



14 



(5) 



IS 

16 
17 



25, 1830, Sarah Croswell, dau. of Zachariah Soule, q. v. 
He d. Feb. 6, 1873. Six children : — 

I. James Thomas, b. April 17, 1832; d. Sept 14 
1836. ■ ' 

ir. Marcia Soule, b. Dec. 22, 1835 ; md., Oct. 13, 1861, 
William F. Gay, q. v. ; d. Feb. 13, 1865. 

III. Julia Stubbs, b. Sept. 7, 1837 ; m*^'-, Dec. 25, 1864, 

Charles Nelson, son of Columbus and Lydia 
W. (Tinkham) Fairbanks of Winthrop, who was 
b. Sept. 27, 1829, and d. Jan. 9, 1868 ; md. (2), 
Jan. 10, 1872, William Tarbox. 2 chil. by 
second marriage. 

IV. Susan Church, b. Sept. 25, 1843 ; r^cl-. Oct. 16, 

1866, Samuel B. Luce of Strong; d. Oct. 23, 
1870. I child. 
V. Joh7i Minot Soule, b. Dec. 14, 1845 ; md., Dec. 14, 
1874, Eldora Nichols. He was for several 
years connected with the Farmington Chronicle, 
and now (1885J holds a responsible position on 
the Portland Press. 2 chil. 
VI. James Thomas, b. May 14, 1849; """cl., July 5, 
1873, Nettie Dodge. Is a house-joiner in 
Portland. 4 chil. 



Thomas Henry Hunter was a railroad engineer, and 
resided at Farmington. He md., Feb, 27, 1853, Harriet 
G., dau. of David Wentworth, Jr., q. v. ; she d. Aug. i, 
1854, and he md. (2), Oct. 22, 1855, Susan E., dau. of 
Alvan Currier, q. v. Mr. Hunter d. March 17, 1870. 
Three children : — 

I. Howard Alvan, b. Dec. 11, 1856; went to Cal- 
ifornia in 1875 ; md. in 1878, Lonie Frier, and 
resides in Spadia, Cal. 2 chil. 
II. Margie Warren, b. July 9, 1858; md., Oct. 22, 
1884, John C. Eaton of Boston. 
Edward Thomas, b. Oct. 8, 1865. 



III. 



3cnmn5$* 

Joseph Jennings and his wife Nancy were residents of Bradford, 
Mass., in the latter part of the eighteenth century, where his death 
occurred, Feb. 10, 1781. They were the parents of four children: 
Nancy, who married a Dodge; David, who removed to the territory 
northwest of the Ohio River in 1801 ; and Eliphalet and Benjamin, who 
settled in Farminsfton. 



Eliphalet Jennings, of Dunstable, Mass., was a soldier 
of the American Revolution, and participated in many of 
its hard-fought battles. On account of his youth, he first 
entered the service in the capacity of " officer's servant," 



5o6 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



3 


II 


4 


III 


5 


IV 


6 


V 


7 


VI 



i6 



VII. 



but subsequently became enrolled as a soldier, and served 
to the close of the war. For many years he received a 
pension as a reward for his sufferings and sacrifices in the 
long struggle by which the American Colonies gained 
independence and liberty. In 1790 Mr. Jennings came to 
the Sandy River township, and settled upon a part of 
back-lot No. 4, east side. At the time of his death, Aug. 
17, 1853, he was eighty-eight years of age, and was the 
last survivor of the Revolutionary War in Farmington. 
His wife, Mary, was the daughter of Fbenezer Butterfield, 
q. V. She d. Jan. 19, 185 1. Sixteen children, two of 
whom were b. in Dunstable, Mass. : — 

I. Hannah, b. Dec. 17, 1787; md.. May i, 1806 

(pub.), Silas Perham, g. v.\ d. June 18, 1838. 

* Joseph, b. Nov. 30, 1789. 

Ebenezer, b. Sept. 24, 1792 ; d. Sept. 24, 1798. 

Infant son, ) , 

T f ^ r d. young. 

Infant son, \ ^ ^ 

Asa, b. May 6, 1797; md., Jan. 12, 1822, Betsey 
Roach ; d. in 1840. 

Rufus, b. Feb. 22, 1799; md., in 1825, Sophia 
Butterfield, who d. Nov. 6, 1850, aged 49 
years. Resides in Starks. 

George Washington, b. Feb. 28, 1801 ; d. Sept. 2, 
1811. 

Mary, b. Aug. 26, 1803 ; md., Oct. 24, 1825, 
Reuel Bailey, q. v.; d. Apr. 25, 1869. 

John, b. Feb. 22, 1806; md., Dec. 31, 1831 (pub.), 
Nancy Arnold ; removed to California. 
*David, b. Aug. 22, 1808. 

Elizabeth Betsey, b. May 29, 18 10; md., Nov. 10, 
1828, John Dryden. Resides in Dunellen, 
N.J. 

Eliphalet, b. Jan. 25, 1812; d. Sept., 1834; unmd. 

Reuben Butterfield, b. Mar. 26, 18 14; md., in 
1838, Diana White of Skowhegan, who d. Feb., 
1853; md. (2), Dec. 12, 1853, Betsey Record, 
who survives him. During the late war he 
enlisted a company of cavalry, of which he was 
chosen captain, but by reason of illness did 
not proceed farther than Augusta. He after- 
wards went out as hospital steward in the 28th 
Reg. Me. Vols., but the state of his health 
forbade his continuance in the service. He 
d. Aug. I, 1882. 4 chil. 

Infant son, b. 1816; d. young, 

Nancy, b. 1818; md., Jan. 18, 1843, James M. 
Harnden; d. Oct. 9, 1854. He d. Dec. 16, 
184S, aged 57 years. 



9 


VIII 


10 


IX 


II 


X 


12 


XI 


13 


XII 


14 


XIII. 


15 


XIV 



XV. 
XVI. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



507 



Joseph Jennings was a native of Dunstable, Mass., 
but the greater part of his life was spent in the Sandy 
River valley. Directly after bis marriage he settled upon 
a farm in New Sharon, but subsequently resided in other 
places, and finally in Farmington. He entered the war of 
1812, but after a brief period of service was discharged. 
He md., Dec. 24, 18 12, Elizabeth Gould, b. Sept. i, 1792, 
in New Sharon; d. Mar. 27, 1875. He d. Jan. 17, 1871. 
Eight children : — 

I. Infant daughter, ^ b. Oct. 21, 1813; d. Oct. 21, 
II. Infant daughter, ) 1813. 

III. Da7iiel Gould, b. Nov. 27, 1S15 ; md., Sept. 14, 

1841, Mary B. Cheny, who d. at Wilton, Jan, 
26, 1849 ; md. (2) Mary Sphurr. 

IV. Joseph, b. Jan. 19, 18 18; d. June 13, 1849. 
V. *Asa, b. Nov. 24, 18 19. 

VI. Albert Sears, b. May 2, 1825 ; d. Sept. iS, 1826. 
Joseph Albert, > 1 Tvr o 

Sabrtna Elizabeth, S ^^ ^^'- '7' '^^^2- 

Joseph A. is married, and resides in Washing- 
ton Territory. 
Sabrina E. md., x\pr. 3, i860, Eliphalet J.' 
Hardy of Wilton. 



VII 

VIII 



David Jennings first lived on the homestead, but after 
a number of removals settled upon a farm in Washburn, 
Aroostook Co., where he d., Dec. 12, 1881. He md., Apr. 
2, 1836 (pub.), Caroline, dau. of Luther Bailey, q. v., who 
d. in Rumford, Mar. 23, 1871. Two children: — 

I. Luther Bailey, b. Nov. 29, 1837; ■''i^' ' .Uily 15, 
1865, Hannah Stevens. Lives in Windsor. 3 
chil. 
II. Charles Edward, b. Dec. 10, 1839; 'nf'-, Nov. 2, 
1865, Addie A. Stevens, i son. 



Asa Jennings was a native of New Portland, and a 
farmer by occupation. After a residence of several years 
in Wilton, he removed to Farmington, which has since 
been his home. Like his father and grandfather, he was 
a patriot and soldier, entering the United States service in 
1862 as private, Co. G, 17 Ih Reg. Me. Vols. Having a 
special faculty for hospital work, he was transferred to 
that branch of the service, where he won consideration tor 
the tact and devotion displayed in a wide range of duties. 
At Gettysburg (and subsequently) he was attached to the 
First Division Third Corps Hospital, having a surgeon's 
charge of several hundred disabled soldiers for some days. 
With short interruption, his duties were coniinued until 
the close of the war, when he received an honorable dis- 



5o8 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



28 
29 



30 
31 



33 
34 
35 



charge, after nearly three years of faithful service. He 
md., Dec. 5, 1848, Betsey Billings, dau. of Toppan Eaton 
of Wilton. She was b. June 16, 1825. Four children : — 
I. Betsey Emmogene, b. Mar. 2, 1850 ; d. Feb. 9, 

1878. 
II. Asa Byron, b. Nov. 16, 185 1 ; md., Dec. 15, 1877, 
Clara E. Dyer of New Sharon ; md. (2), Oct. 
2, 1884, Mary J. Huse. 

III. Mary Frances, b. Apr. 14, 1856. 

IV. Albert Eaton, b. Jan. 10, 1862. 

Benjamin Jennings, a younger brother of Eliphalet 
Jennings, came with his wife and probably two children, to 
the Sandy River settlement early in the last decade of the 
last century. He purchased a part of back-lot No. 7, east 
side, and began improvements by building a log-house and 
clearing land. One day in early autumn, not long after 
their arrival, while Mr. Jennings was reaping wheat, Mrs. 
Jennings, with her infant children, went to the field to see 
her husband, and during her absence their house with all 
its contents was burned. Mr. Jennings continued to make 
improvements until 1801, when he sold his farm to Simeon 
Howes, and with his family joined a party whose objective 
point was the territory of Ohio. The party consisted of 
Joshua Perley and family, Robert Eaton and wife, Isaac 
Eaton and David Jennings, single men — some sixteen 
persons in all. After a most wearisome journey, they 
reached the promised land which had been depicted in 
such glowing colors, and decided to pitch their tents in 
Portage County, at a place now called Deerfield. The 
climate proved unhealthful, and sickness prevailed in 
their midst. To add to their misfortunes, Mrs. Perley 
died in the spring of 1803, leaving an infant daughter. 
Discontented and discouraged, the pioneers resolved to 
return, and with the exception of Robert and Mrs. Eaton, 
and David Jennings, bade a long farewell to the sovereign 
State of Ohio, which they had entered two years before as 
the territory north west of the Ohio River. In 1805, Mr. 
Jennings repurchased of Mr. Howes his old farm, for which 
he paid $800, and where he lived until his death, Dec. 5, 
1817. He md. in 1788, Mary Lawrence, a native of 
Groton, Mass., who d. Nov. 25, i860, aged 97 years. Ten 
children : — 

I. Eunice, b. Nov. 7, 1789; md. 

Industry, where she lives. 
II. Isaac Lawrence, b. Sept. 15, 

1847 j uniiid. 
III. Benjamin, b. Nov. 11, 1794; 

d. in California, July, 187 1. 



Joseph P^veleth of 
1791 ; d. May 7, 
md. Sarah Butler ; 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



509 



36 
37 
38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

(42) 



43 

44 

45 
46 



(;45) 



47 
48 

49 

50 



IV. Folly, b. Feb. 11, 1795 ; md., Sept. 11, 1820 (pub.) 

Isaac Hardy of Wilton ; d. Sept. 23, 1859. 
V. Sally, b. June i, 1798; md., Nov. 2, 1818 (pub.) 
Samuel Jones of Durham ; d. March, 1875. 
Eliphakt, b. Nov. 15, 1799; md., Feb. 2, 1826, 

Thankful Crosby; d. October, 1880. 
Nancy, b. June 13, 1801 ; md., Nov. i, 1821, 
William Mcintosh; d. Jan. 31, 1836. 
VIII. Sophronia, b. Sept. 13, 1804; md. William Mcin- 
tosh; d. May 12, 1870. 
IX. Tappan, b. Dec. 19, 1806 ; md. Sally Davis : d. 

May 5, 1875. I son. 
X. * Hiram Belcher, b. May 12, 1809. 



VI. 



VII. 



Hiram B. Jennincjs, the youngest son of Benjamin 
Jennings, spent the prime of his life upon the homestead, 
but some time since erected new buildings upon a lot 
in the vicinity of the Center Village, where he is spending 
his declining years. He md., Jan. 16, 1836, Sarah Mcin- 
tosh, who was b. at Durham, March 29, 18 12. Four 
children : — 

I. Nancy Mcintosh, b. Mav 3, 1837 ; d. Aug. 27, 

1864. 
II. Paulina Elizabeth, b. March 22, 1839. 

III. * Harrison Hannibal, b. June i, 1841. 

IV. Eliza Charlotte, b. Sept. 23, 1843; md., May 12, 

1864, George F. Dutton ; d. July 26, 1881. 2 
chil. 



June 
Four 



Harrison H. Jennings, son of the preceding, resides 
upon a river farm in the southern part of the town. He is 
a successful farmer and respected citizen. He md 
3, 1862, Charlotte A., daughter of Josiah Cutler, 
children : — 

I. Herbert Eugene, b. April 5, 1863. 

II. Frank Dyer, b. July 17, 1864. 

III. Stella IVinona, b. June 2, 1871. 

IV. Fheo Alwilda, b. March 8, 1876. 



3o(\nson<. 

Tiiis is one of tiie most common names in the early history of this 
country. The records of immigration show no fewer than twenty-six 
John Johnsons who came to America previous to 1700. So far as 
known, the ancestors of the Farmington Johnsons had their early home 
in North Carolina. 



Thomas Johnson was a native of North Carolina. In 
early life he entered the Continental army as a private ; 
later he became .a sailor, and afterwards a tanner and 



65 



5IO 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON: 



3 
4 

5 
6 

7 
8 

9 

lO 



(3) 



13 
14 

15 



shoemaker at Martha's Vineyard. In 1793 he moved with 
his wife, Thankful, a daughter of Timothy Smith, P!!sq., 
and eight children, to the Sandy River township, and 
built a log-house on the east side of the river, on what is 
konwn as the William Gower farm. The next year he 
commenced making some improvements on lot No. 13, in 
what is now the town of Industry, then known as the 
Plymouth patent, and moved thither with his family in the 
autumn of that year. By reason of the infirmities of age, 
he was unable to do much labor, but with the assistance 
of his sons made a comfortable living. In May, 1809, 
Mr. Johnson and one or more of his sons purchased and 
removed to the Joseph Titcomb farm in this town, where 
his death occurred in 1819. His name was placed upon 
the pension-list under the act of 18 18. Mrs. Johnson 
was a woman of much intellectual force, and transmitted 
to her children great mental activity and versatility of 
character. All the sons except the eldest were residents 
of this town at one time or another, and most ot them 
sooner or later became merchants, and held various mili- 
tary and civil positions. Nine children : — 

I. James, b. 1772; md., Nov. 30, 1797, Sail}' Lea^ 
man; d. in Industry, Nov. 3, 1843. 



II. 

in. 



^Tiviothy, b. 1774. 
*T/i07}ias, b. Dec. 28, 1776. 



4 chil. 



IV. * Abraham, b. Sept. 3, 1778. 
V. ^Joseph, b. Mar. 31, 1786. 
VI. Sally, b. 1785 ; md. James Came. 
VII. * William, b. 1787. 
vrii. *Hen7-y, b. Oct. 13, 1789. 
IX. Betsey, b. Dec. 4, 1793 ; md., Jan. 23, 
Christopher Atkinson; d. Apr. 9, i88[. 
d. at Earaboo, Wis., Mar. 31, 1875. 



1S12, 
He 



Timothy Johnson {vide page 296) md.. Mar. 7, i8o2» 
Abigail H, Livermore. She d. May 19, 1856, aged 71 
years. He d. suddenly at Berwick, Nov. 27, 1849. Eleven 
children : — 

I, William Frederic, b. Jan. 24, 1803; d. Aug. 4, 

1804. 
II. William Frederic, b. Sept. 7, 1804; d. Dec. 14, 
1804. 

III. Timothy Smith, b. Sept. 23, 1805; d. Feb. 11, 

1809. 

IV. William Henry, b. Dec. 13, 1806; md.. Mar. 2, 

1831, Mary West, dau. ot Joseph Johnson, 
g. v.; d. at Greenville, Mich., Sept. 20, 1871. 
V. Timothy Smith, b. June i, 1810; d. Dec. 7, 1811. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 511 

VI. Caroline Livermore^ b. Mar. 16, 1814; mcL, Feb. 

20, 1844, Ammi R. Bradbury, Resides in 

Providence, R. 1. 
VII. Mary Jackson, b. Apr. 25, 1816; md., Jan. 10, 

1842, Thomas Nay, who d. Apr., 1882. 
VIII. Hanjiah Moore, b. Mar. 23, 1819; md., Feb. 20, 

1844, Benjamin Whittier, who d. May 4, 185 1 ; 

md. (2), Dec. 29, 1863, Martin S. Brown. Re- 
sides in Uxbridge, Mass. 
IX. Satn?iel, b. Nov. 23, 1822 ; d. Apr. 24, 1824. 
X. Samuel, b. Apr. 24, 1824; d. young. 
XI. Abigail Livermore, b. July 9, 1828 ; md., Mar, 26, 

1868, Caleb W. Anthony of Providence, R. I., 

who d. Apr. 9, 1876. 



Thomas Johnson {vide page 296) was a merchant in 
town some ten years, a deputy sheriff, and colonel ot" 
militia early in the present century. In 18 10 he served 
as town treasurer. He md., Jan. 14, 1802, Katherine, 
dau. of Solomon and Celia (Tilton) Luce ; d. in New 
Vineyard, May 16, 1844. She md. (2), Nov. i, 1847, 
Benjamin, son of Benjamin Butler, q. v.; d. Nov. 4, 1854. 
Nine children : — 

I. Almira, b. Dec. 6, 1803; d. Sept. 10, 1804. 

II. Martha Tilton, b. Feb. 26, 1806; md., Jan. 22, 
1827, Hartson Hackett. Resides at Baraboo, 
Wis. 
HI, Thomas Jefferson, b. July 4, [807; d. Nov. 21, 
1821. 

IV, Abigail Luce, b. Feb. 26, 1810; md.. May 28, 
1829, Ira Vaughan ; d. May 21, 1830. 

V. Albert Gallatifi, b, Apr. 16, 1812 ; md,, Dec, 25, 
1835, Abigail Pollard; md, (2), Dec, 1852, 
Maria Heath of Salem ; md. (3), Jan. 29, 1858, 
Anna Cheek of Baraboo, Wis. He served 
through two enlistments in the Rebellion, and 
died two years after his discharge, June 16, 
1867, at Baraboo. 4 chil. : i by first and 3 
by third marriage. 

VI. Katherine, b. July i, 1814; md., July 30, 1832, 
Z. Morton Vaughan ; d. in New Vineyard, 
May 2, 1839. 
VII. Etnily, b. Dec. 31, 1816; md., Jan, 18, 1831, Ira 

Vaughan; d. Sept, 17, 1837. 
VIII. Timothy Smith, b. Feb. 5, 1819 ; d. at sea in 1840. 

IX, Thomas Jefferson, b. Mar. 12, 1826; md., Oct. 14, 
1854, Lucy Freeman of New Bedford, He 
served through two enlistments in the Rebell- 
ion, and was ten months in Salisbury Prison, 
Resides in Baraboo, Wis. 2 chil. 



512 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(5) 



31 

32 

34 

35 
36 

37 
38 
39 



(6) 



Abraham Johnson, the fourth son of Thomas Johnson, 
Sr., was a native of Martha's Vineyard, and came to the 
township with his father. He began life in Industry, 
taking up a lot of wild land, which he brought under culti- 
vation. While in that town he served as captain of militia, 
and as one of its selecmen in 1806-7. ^^ purchased, in 
connection with his father, the Joseph Titcomb farm, 
where he lived until 1820. He then removed to Madison, 
and operated mills there for eight years. Finally he 
settled upon the Robert M. Morrison farm in the north- 
eastern part of the town. Upon the organization of the 
company of artillery, in 18 12, he was chosen its first 
captain. He md., Feb. 15, 1810, Jane, dau. of William 
and Hannah (Benson) Morrison, who was b. in Middle- 
borough, Mass., Jan. 31, 1786; d. Aug. 5, 1868. He d. 
July II, 1866. Nine children: — 

I, Betsey Morrison, b. Feb. 20, 1811 ; md., Sept. 17, 
1839, Francis Backus, q. v.\ d. Oct. 21, 1849. 
Haii7iah, b. Oct, 2, 181 2 ; d. Dec, 18 12. 
Angeline, b. Sept., 1813; d. July, 1814. 
Abraha7ii Whitman, b. May 17, 1815 ; d. Mar. 17, 



II. 
III. 

IV. 



182- 



V. 
VI. 



Emeli7ie, b. Jan. 25, 1817 ; d. Mar. 29, 1823. 
William Morrison, b. Dec. 6, 18 19; d. Mar. 17, 
1823. 
VII. Mary Ann, b. July 8, 1822 ; d. Mar. 16, 1823. 
VIII. * Abraham Williafn, b. Jan. 2, 1824. 
IX. Johfi Qiiincy Adams, b. Feb. 27, 1826; md., Nov. 
19, 1855, Mary Skillings ; d. Sept. 9, 1863, 2 
chil. 



Joseph Johnson {vide page 298) lived in Industry for a 
short time, and then removed to Farmington, where he 
became one of the leading business men. For many 
years he was extensively engaged in buying and selling 
cattle for the Portland and Brighton markets. He also 
bought and sold timber-lands, and was interested in lum- 
bering operations on the Kennebec and Androscoggin 
Rivers. At one time Mr. Johnson was an innholder, 
occupying the Backus House at the corner of Main St. 
and Broadway. He acted as one of the agents of the 
State in building the Canada road in 1829; was post- 
master for many years ; sheriff of the County of Franklin 
from 1839 to 1841 ; representative to the legislature in 
1827 and 1829 ; and was a member of Governor Dunlap's 
council. Mr. Johnson removed to Reedsburg, Wis., in 
1854, where he d.. Mar. 18, 1867. He md. Sally Daggett, 
who was b. at Martha's Vineyard, Dec. 6, 1788; d. Nov. 
17, 1869. Seven children : — 



GEIVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 513 

I. Mary West, b. Dec. 11, 1809; nid., Mar. 2, 183 1, 

William H., son of Timothy Johnson, q. v. 
II. Joseph Smith, b. June 15, 181 1; md., No\\ 21, 

1841, Ann W. Jewett. He was in trade with 
his father at Farmington for a time, but finally 
moved west, and now resides at Minneapolis, 
Minn. 

III. Charles Edwin, b. July 25, 18 14; d. Oct. 19, 

1847 ; unmd. 

IV. Abigail Daggett, b. Feb. 10, 1817 ; md., July 13, 

1842, S. Freeman Chaney, who d. Oct. 13, 
1843 ; she md. (2), May 17, 1849, Joh^i Edward 
Ham, who d. Sept. 15, 1881. Lives at Ports- 
mouth, N. H. 

v. Silas Daggett, b. July, 182 1. Resides at Reeds- 
burg, Wis. 
VI. Charlotte, b. Dec. 21, 1823; md., in 1857, Luther 

C. Woodman; d. Apr. 18, 1871. 
VII. Augustus, b. May 22, 1828; md., Dec. 29, 1851, 
Arvilla, dau. of Reuel Bailey, g. v. Resides 
at Pittsburg, Penn. 

William Johnson purchased of his father in 18 11 one- 
half of the homestead, which was his residence for eight 
years. He then removed to Madison, and engaged in 
operating saw and grist-mills. In 1822 he became inter- 
ested in mercantile business at New Orleans, La., where 
he died the following year. He md., June 20, 18 13, Mary, 
daw. of Isaac Treby of New London, Conn. She was b. 
Jan. 9, 1794; d. in Augusta, June 20, 1850. Three chil- 
dren : — 

I. William Treby, b. Mar. 9, 18 15. In early life he 
was a printer, and at different times published 
several newspapers. In 1857-58-59 he repre- 
sented Augusta in the legislature. In 1863 he 
was mayor of that city. He was appointed 
cashier of the Granite National Bank in i860, 
a position which he tilled acceptably until his 
sudden death, Oct. 11, 1881. He md., Dec i, 
1837, Martha Tappan, dau. of John W. Chase 
of Portland ; she d. Mar. 29, 1856 ; he md. (2), 
May 5, 1857, her sister, Abby Baker Chase, 
who survives him. 8 chil. by first marriage. 

II. Adeline Treby, b. Aug. 3. 18 17 ; md.. May 4, 1835, 
Thomas C. Noble of Augusta. 5 chil. 

III. Andrew Jackson, b. Mav 15, 1820; d. May 21, 
1823. 



SH 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(9) 



5° 
51 



52 

53 
54 

55 
56 



57 
58 

(38) 



59 



Henry Johnson commenced business as a merchant at 
the Center Village in 181 1, and afterwards went into 
company with Capt. John Holley at Backus Corner. 
Upon the dissolution of this partnership in 1823, Mr. 
Johnson removed to the Falls, where he traded thirteen 
years, and during a portion of this period acted as deputy 
sheriff and postmaster. In 1835 l"*^ removed to Augusta, 
and became landlord of the Cushnoc House, where he 
was also deputy sheriff and jailer. Twelve years later he 
returned to Farmington, and became the popular proprietor 
of the " Sandy River House." After that was burned 
(Aug. 7, 1850), he established the Blue Mountain House. 
As a landlord he was attentive and obliging, ever mindful 
of the comfort of his guests, Mr. Johnson served the 
town as one of its selectmen in 1833, and was postmaster 
during the administrations of President Pierce and his 
successor. At the close of this period he retired from 
active life. He md., Jan. 30, 1812, Mirinda Blake, b. at 
Mt. Vernon, Apr. 26, 1791 ; d. Nov. 6, 1850. He md. 
(2), Mar. 26, 1854, Mrs. Millia Sanford of Manchester. 
He d. July 31, 1861. Nine children: — 

I. Adeline, b. Sept. 28, 1813; d. July 26, i8i6. 
II. Ann Elizabeth, b. July 31, 1815; md., Nov. 11, 
1834, Lewis 1). Moore; d. at Philadelphia, 
Penn., Feb. 10, 1883. He was b. Sept. 30, 
1812; d. Aug. II, 1882. 8 chil. 

III. John Quincy, b. Dec. 20, 1817 ; d. June 20, 1819. 

IV. Martha Dudley, b. Jan. 6, 182 1. Unmd. 

v. Julia Anna, b. Oct. 10, 1822 ; md. John J^dward 

Ham ; d. July 27, 1848. 
VI. Hiram Wesley, b. Jan 13, 1825. 
VII. Robert Blake, b. June 3, 1828; md., Oct. 29, 1877, 
Sarah A. Clark. Is a printer at Augusta. 3 
chil. 
VIII. Mirinda Adelia, b. Mar. 31, 183 1; md., Aug. 26, 
1866, Aaron S. Flanders. Resides in Lowell, 
Mass. ; s. p. 
IX. George Heniy, b. Sept. 16, 1835 ; d. Aug. 22, 
1836. 



Abraham W. Johnson, third son of Abraham Johnson, 
settled upon the homestead, and became a successful 
farmer. He subsequently removed to the Center Village. 
He md.. Mar. 3, 1869, Mary Ann, dau. of John Backus, 
q. V. He d. suddenly, Oct. 24, 1884. One child: — 

I. Jennie Eunice, b. Oct. 23, 1870. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



5'5 



Richard Jones emigrated from Ireland to this country during the 
eighteenth century, and settled as a miller at Bristol. Kbenezer, his son, 
was born in 1767, and came to the Sandy River township in 1789. 



Ebenezer Jones, one of the first settlers at Farmington 
Falls, purchased a portion of front-lot No. 51, east side, 
where the business portion of that village is now located. 
He also purchased of Francis Tufts, in 1790, one-half of 
the saw and grist-mill situated at the upper mill-privilege, 
which was sold to Jonathan Russ in 1802. About that 
time Mr. Jones built a saw and grist-mill at the foot of the 
Falls, which was supplied with water by a canal from the 
dam at the head of the Falls ; this mill was in successful 
operation for several years. He also embarked in mer- 
cantile pursuits, for a time as the partner of Col. Daniel 
Reale. Mr. Jones was an energetic man, and possessed 
great versatility of talents. Yet his efforts were not al- 
ways attended with pecuniary success. He md., June 24, 
1787, Mary Ballister, b. at Marblehead, Mass., Aug. 3, 
1762. He d. in New York, Aug., 1814. His wife d. 
Mar. 23, 1836. P^leven children: — 



I. 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

V. 

VI, 

VII. 
VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 



Michael, b. Mar., 1788; md.. May, 18 10, Mary 

Gould ; d. in Virginia. 
Betsey, b. Nov., 1789; md., Jan. 8, 1809, Moses 

Kelley ; d. Sept., 1865. 
Sarah Coombs, b. Nov., 1791 ; md., Apr. 29, 1810, 

David Moore; d. in 1871. 
Jeremiah, b. July, 1793; md. Lucia Kiiapp; d. 

Mar. 14, 1864'. 
Ebenezer, b. Mar., 1795; md. Esther Dennis; d. 

Sept. 19, 1826. 
Mary, b. Jan. 30, 1797; md., l)ec. 24, 1812, 

Ebenezer P. Shaw. He d. Mar. iS, 1S26. 

She md. (2) Daniel McLaughlin ; d. Aug., 

1863. 
Martha, b. June, 179S; md. John Walker; d. 

July 22, 1876. He d. Aug. 20, 1864. . 
Daniel Beak, b. Mar. 2, 1800; md., Dec. 26. 

1824, Nancy Cragin, and now resides in New 

lV)rtland. 
Hannah, b. Jan. 30, 1802 ; md.. Mar. 25, 1819, 

Leander Boardman, q. v. 
Emily, b. June, 1805 ; d. Aug., 1810. 
Julia, b. June, 1807; md. Samuel Daggett of 

New Vineyard ; ind. (2) Fllder George Webber. 

She resides in Evansville, Ind. 



5i6 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



Ktiomlton* 

The New England families of Knowlton trace their ancestry to three 
brothers, John, William, and Thomas Knowlton, who settled in Ipswich, 
Mass., about 1640. These brothers were the sons of William Knowlton, 
a sea-captain, and Elizabeth Rice, his wife, and were born in Cheswick, 
Kent County, England. William, the second son, from whom the Earm- 
ington Knowltons are descended, was born in 161 5, was a bricklayer by 
trade, and a commoner at Ipswich in 1641. William's third son, John, 
was the ancestor of the Jonathan Knowlton family, and his fourth son, 
Samuel, was the ancestor of Samuel Knowlton's family. Jonathan's 
descent is through John, born in 1644, and Berthia his wife, and John, 
Jr., who married, Dec. 20, 1697, Abigail Batchelder. Andrew, the 
youngest of the sons of John and Abigail Knowlton, was born March, 
1720, and married, in 1741, Lucy Stone of Beverly, and was the father of 
Jonathan Knowlton, who came to Earmington, and of Anna, wife of 
Thomas Hiscock, q. v. 

Samuel Knowlton descends through Samuel, the son of William 
Knowlton, who was born in 1647, a shoemaker by trade; Samuel, Jr., 
born Nov. 9, 1672; and Samuel, 3d (date of birth unknown), who married 
Esther Dane (probably Dean) in 1759. Samuel and Esther Dane Knowl- 
ton were the parents of six children, of whom the fourth was Samuel, 
4th, who settled in Earmington. 



Jonathan Knowlton was born in Ipswich, Mass., July 
28, 1750. He married, probably in 1777, Mary Blunt, 
widow of John Oaks, and settled for a short time in 
Walpole, Mass. In company with the other Massachusetts 
families, he came to Damariscotta about 1781. Here he 
made no permanent settlement, but pushed on to the 
Sandy River valley the same year and took up lot No. 17, 
on the west side of the river, now owned by William B. 
Oilman and others. Upon this lot he built a small log- 
house on the interval, from which his family was driven 
by the great freshet of Oct. 22, 1785. Water covering 
the house to a depth of five feet, he was compelled to 
convey his family in a boat across the river to his brother- 
in-law's, Francis Tufts. Soon after, he built a log-house 
on the uplands, and this he replaced by a framed building 
in 1796. In religious faith Mr. Knowlton was a Meth- 
odist, and together with Stephen Titcomb, was foremost in 
erecting the first house for public worship built in the 
town. He acquired a comfortable fortune, was one of the 
principal agents in the purchase of the township of New 
Vineyard, and for a time was principal owner of the mills 
and machinery at Earmington Falls. He died suddenly 
in 18 19, and his wife survived him many years. Eight 
children : — 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 51/ 

I. Sara/i, b. in Walpole, Mass., May 25, 1778; md., 
Nov. 25, 1802, Jeremiah Butler, q. v. ; d. May 
15, 1863. 
II. *Jonaf/ian, b. in Walpole, Dec. 4, 1780. 

III. * Samuel, b. ]-^\-\. 14, 1783. 

IV, Gilbert, b. Jan. 6, 1785 ; md., Nov. 27, 1806 (pub.) 

Sarah Odell ; removed to Dixmont, where he 
died, Chil. 
V. Lydia, b. Oct. 17, 1786 ; md., Aug. i, 1802, Thomas 

Wellman ; d. Dec. 22, 1824. 12 chil. 
VI. * Francis, b. Jan. 2, 1789. 
VII. Catharirie, b, Nov, 26, 1793; nid,, Sept. 3, 1832, 

Joseph Dennett ; d. in Indiana. 2 chil. 
VIII. Hatinah, b. Nov. 25, 1795 ; d. in infancy. 



Jonathan Knowlton, Jr., first settled upon lot No. 18, 
in what is now Industry, but after a few years' residence 
there, removed to the Knowlton homestead in Farmington, 
where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a man 
of generous impulses, and was ever ready to relieve the 
wants of the poor and destitute to the extent of his ability. 
He md., Aug. 20, 1801, Deborah Tufts, b. in Lee, July 6, 
1782. He d. May i, 1864; she d. October, 187 1. Nine 
children : — 

I. Josiah Blackstone, b. Sept. 29, 1802 ; md., May 28, 

1828, Deborah Weekes of New York City; d. 

in Indiana; she d. April 7, 1850, aged 36 

years. 
II. Rebecca, b. March 18, 1804; md., Jan. 19, 1826, 

Francis Butler, q. v.\ md. (2), April 28, 1848, 

Eliphaz Gay, 

III. Caroiiiie, b. Oct. 30, 1805 ; md., Feb. 16, 1830, 

Ephraim S. Butler, g. v. 

IV. Sophronia, b. in New Vineyard, July 14, 1808; 

md., June 10, 1844 (pub.), Solomon Luce; d. 

March 18, 1849 ; s. p. 
V. Sumner, b. May 11, 1810; md., Nov, 4, 1831, 

Merrianne Gilbert, who d. Oct. 11, 1834; he 

md. (2), in 1837, Marcia L. Rich, who d. Feb. 

4, 1884 ; d. at Chesterville, October, 1850. 
VI, John Adams, b, Feb. 5, 1812 ; md., Oct. 28, 1841, 

Sylvira Brown ; settled in Chesterville ; d. 

March 26, 1873, 4 chil, 
VII. Jason, b. Sept. 15, 1813 ; removed to Strong, 

where he now resides ; md., July 10, 1842, 

Rachel R. Preston. 3 chil. 
VIII. *ScIden, b. May 2, 18 15. 
IX. EdmiDid Augustus, b. Aug. 11, 18 19; md., in 

1856, Cordelia Ann, dau. of Zenas Backus, 

q. V. ; d, at Boston, July 5, 18S3, 3 chil. 

66 



Si8 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(4) 



19 

20 
21 
22 
^3 

24 

,25 

(7) 



Samuel Knowlton was the second male child born in 
the township. He was by trade a millwright, and first 
settled in Fairfield, where he made a brief residence, and 
then removed to Farmington and operated mills for several 
years at the Falls village, in company with his father. 
About 1823 he removed to the west part of Phillips, where 
he built upon the Sandy River a saw-mill, which he main- 
tained for some years in connection with farming. He 
removed in Sept., 183 1, to Mainville, Ohio, where his 
death occurred, Jan. 4, 1857. He was a self-made man, 
and respected for his intelligence and many Christian 
virtues. He md., March 6, 1806, Olive, dau. of I'lphraim 
G. Butler, q. v. Seven children : — 

I, Francis^ b. April 20, 1807 ; d. July 15, 1854, in 

Ohio, where he had md, Chil. 
II, Hiram, b, Nov, 6, 1809; d, Feb, 12, 187S, in 
Indiana, where he had md, Chil. 

III, Permdia, b. Sept. 9, 1812; md., Oct. 17, 1833, 

Benjamin I'ufts, Jr., of Mainville, O, 

IV. Sherman, b. Aug. 20, 1820; md., May 23, 1850, 

Martha Stevens ; d. of cholera, July 19, 1850. 
Samuel, b. Aug, 28, 1822 ; md. Julia Hadley, who 

d. January, 1882 ; md. (2), Dec, 1882, Mrs, 

Harriet Fllis, Lives in Oskaloosa, Iowa. 
Sarah Ann, b. July 27, 1826 ; md. Temple Fouche, 

Lives at Foster's, O. 
George WashingtoJi, b. Sept. 9, 1829. Lives in 

Ohio, 



V, 



VI. 



VII, 



26 



Francis Knowlton, the youngest son of Jonathan 
Knowlton, Sr., succeeded to a portion of the homestead 
farm, to which he made large additions by purchase. By 
the erection of commodious buildings and a judicious 
system of agriculture, he made his farm one of the most 
valuable and productive upon the river. He devoted his 
time and energies to the cultivation of his land, and by 
his industry and good management acquired a large estate. 
His even temper and constant good nature preserved him 
from contention and secured the friendship and esteem of 
the community in which he lived. He removed to the 
Center Village about 1854, where the evening of his life 
was spent. He was elected treasurer of Franklin County 
in 1855, He md,, Nov. 26, 18 12, Lovie, dau. of Ephraim 
G, Butler, q. v.\ he md. (2), Nov. 17, 1841, Rosanna (b. 
Sept, 25, 1808), daughter of David and Eleanor (Fossett) 
Hunter of Strong, who survives him. He d, March 9, 
187 I, Nine children : — 

I, William Butler, b. Aug, 16, 18 13; d. Aug. 28, 
1818. 





^vaptcc^ 




6/yLy 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 519 

II. Mary Blunt, b. July 28, 1817; d. March 22, 1820. 

III. Lovie, b. Dec. 16, 182 1 ; d. Dec. 28, 182 1. 

IV. Martha, b. Jan. 20, 1823 ; d. Sept. 9, 1838. 
V. *Jeremiah Butler, b. April 9, 1826. 

VI. * William Franklin, b. July 20, 1830. 
VII. *Francis Blunt, b. Jan. 12, 1832. 

Second marriage : 

viii. * David Hunter, b. Dec. 21, 1844. 
IX. Mary Blunt, b. July 6, 1847 ; md., Feb. 3, 1869, 
Henry C. Johnson. Resides in Chicago. 2 
chil. 



Selden Knowlton resides as a farmer in the south- 
west part of the town. He md., Dec. 12, 1842, Abigail 
Hodgkins, b. in Vienna, Sept. 20, 1822. Eight chil., b. in 
Farmington : — 

I. Henry True, b. May 6, 1844. 

II. Ann Romantha, b. Oct. 13, 1846 ; md., Oct. 3, 
1870, John F. Gower, q. v. 

III. Abbie Rovilla, b. Oct. 12, 1849 ; ^^^-i Nov. 24, 

1870, C. Asa Talbot of Wilton. 

IV. Seldefi Horatio Quincy, b. May 28, 1852. 

v. Julia Deborah, b. June 23, 1854; md., March 6, 

1 88 1, Jacob Alexander of Cisco, Texas. 
VI. Jonathan Preston, b. Nov. 6, 1855 ; md.. May 26, 

1881, Louisa C. Barker of Canton. 
VII. Margie Elvira, b. Sept. 21, 1857; md., June, 

188 1, C. Frank Fogg of Gray. 
VIII. Augustus Thurlow, b. Aug. 31, 186 1. 



Jeremiah B. Knowlton succeeded to the homestead 
farm, which he cultivated until i860, when he purchased 
the Fossett farm in the town of Strong, whither he re- 
moved, and has since become one of the most extensive 
farmers in the county. He has been honored by the 
citizens of his adopted town with various municpal offices. 
He md., Nov. 20, 185 1, Sarah Ann, daughter of Samuel 
Fossett. Two children : — 

I. * Samuel Frank, b. May 17, 1853. 
II. Lovie Butler, b. March i, 1859; d. Dec. 6, 1880. 

William F. Knowlton, brother of the preceding, 
resides at St. Cloud, Minn., where he is a successful 
business man. He md., Oct. 22, 1862, Irene L. Carrick, 
b. at Bangor, Oct. 31, 1840. Six children : — 

I. Francis Willard, b. Aug. 24, 1864. 
11. Martha Ann, b. Jan. 22, 1866. 
III. Fred Joseph, b. I^Iov. 15, 1868. 



520 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



49 

5° 

(32) 



51 
52 
53 

(33) 



54 

55 

(43) 



56 
57 



IV. Maud Mary, b. Nov. 8, 1872. 

V. Ada Lovie, b. Oct. 19, 1879. 

VI. Grace Irene, b. Feb. 28, 1881. 



Rev. Francis B, Knowlton received his preparatory 
education at Farmington Academy, under the instruction 
of that veteran teacher, Jonas Burnham, A. M., and 
graduated from Bowdoin College in the class of 1858. 
He then engaged in teaching, a pursuit for which he was 
eminently qualified, the more important institutions of 
learning with which he was connected being the High 
School at Solon, in 1858, and Classic Grove Seminary at 
Oxford, Penn,, from 1858 to 1861. Mr. Knowlton grad- 
uated from Bangor Theological Seminary in 1863, and 
after preaching in Waldoboro' for two years, removed to 
Phillips, where he was ordained to the Congregational 
ministry, Aug. 29, 1865. He preached at South Paris, 
1866-67, at Alstead, N. H., 1867-71, at Orford, N. H., 
1871-82, and at present (1885) is supplying the pulpit in 
Athol, Mass., where he resides. Mr. Knowlton md., Sept. 
5, 1866, Mrs. Louisa Butterfield, dau. ot William and 
Abby Campbell. She was b. in Vassalboro', Nov. 10, 
1836. Three children : — 

I. Li/Han Edith, b. June 30, 1867 ; d. Oct. 8, 1869. 
II. Ellery Francis, b. June 3, 1869. 
III. Irwin Louis, b. July 17, 1876. 



David H. Knowlton fitted for college at Lewiston 
Falls Academy, and graduated from Bowdoin College in 
the class of i86g. He has been a prominent educator, 
serving for some years as one of the trustees of the 
State Normal Schools, and always manifesting a deep 
interest in the promotion of our common schools. For 
four years Mr. Knowlton was county treasurer, and is at 
present senior partner in the firm of Knowlton, McLeary, 
and Co., and agricultural editor of the Fraiiklin Journal. 
In 187 1 he started a small printing establishment, out of 
which has grown the steam printing establishment of 
Knowlton, McLeary, and Co., as well as his book and 
stationery business. Mr. Knowlton md., Nov. 17, 1875, 
Clara Armina Hinckley. Two children : — 

I. Clarence IIi7ickley, b. Sept. 9, 1876. 
II. Helen, b. Oct. 9, 1879. 

S. Frank Knowlton, son of Jeremiah B. Knowlton, 
resides at Strong. He md., Sept. 9, 1875, Rhoda Isabella, 
dau. of William Towle, Esq. Two children : — 

I. Ralph William, b. Aug. 29, 1879. 
II. Clara Bell, b. July 17,^1883. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 52 1 

Samuel Knowlton, whose ancestry is given in the 
introductory notice to this name, was born in Ipswich, 
Mass., in 1764, and came to the Sandy River township 
about 1786, settling in the wilderness, upon a portion of 
back-lot No. i, west side. By farming and shoemaking 
he acquired a competency. A man of amiable disposition, 
he was apparently happy himself, and always strove to 
make others so ; the poor and needy ever found relief at 
his hands, and the weary, rest and welcome at his fireside. 
Mr. Knowlton early gave attention to orcharding, and was 
among the first in town to raise apples for sale. The 
writer well remembers, when a lad living at the Falls 
village, with what anxiety and impatience he with other 
boys on Saturday afternoons watched the arrival in the 
village of " Uncle Sam's " red wagon with i ts capacious 
box well filled with apples, which the good man freely 
distributed among them all. He md. Jane Linscott, who 
d. May 22, 1857, aged 93 years. His death occurred Feb. 
17, 1844. Twelve children: — 

I. ^Samuel, b. Aug. 9, 1788. 
II. * John., b. Dec. 7, 1789. 

III. Betsey, b. Feb. 6, 1791 ; md., Oct. 28, 1813 (pub.), 

James Cummings ; d. Nov. 5, 1815. 

IV. Joseph., b. Sept. 20, 1792; md., Jan. 22, 1818, 

Mary, dau. of Francis Tufts, Jr., q. v. ; d. in 
Indiana, Apr., 1878. 3 chil. 
V. *Ebenezer, b. Oct. 10, 1794. 

VI. Esther, b. Mar. 25, 1796; md.. Mar. 27, 1819, 
Richard Maddocks ; d. May 30, 1832. He d. 
Apr. 22, 1863. 
VII. * Joshua, b. Sept. 8, 1797. 

VIII. Jane, b. Apr. 23, 1799 ; md., Apr. 30, 1820, Oliver, 

son of Reuben Lowell, Jr., q. v.\ d. Dec. 5, 182 i. 

IX. Be7ijamin, b. Jan. 15, 1801 ; d. Dec. 5, 1827; 

unmd. 
X. Martha, b. July 5, 1802 ; md., Dec. 22, 1823 

(pub.), Ebenezer Stowers ; d. Jan. 15, 1839. 
XI. Sally, b. Sept. 3, 1804; d. Sept. 23, 1804. 
xn. *Dean, b. July 23, 1807. 



Samuel Knowlton, Jr., md., Feb. 20, 18 12, Betsey, 
dau. of Ephraim G. Butler, q. v., and resided as a farmer 
in New Sharon, where he d., June 25, 1823. His wife 
md. (2), Feb, 16, 1826, Ebenezer B. Wellman, and d. at 
Mainville, O., June 10, 1855. Three childre^i : — 

I. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 14, 1813; md., Jan. 22, 1833, 

Lewis E. Jennings. Resides in Ravenna, O. 
II. Jane Linscott, b. Jan. 16, 1815 ; md. Moses, son 



522 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



73 

(60) 



74 

75 
76 



77 
(63) 



78 

79 
80 
81 
82 
83 

84 

(65) 



85 
86 

87 



III. 



of Benjamin Tufts, q. v., who d. Dec. 2, 1871. 
Resides in Mainville, O. 
Lovie Pease, b. May 15, 18 17; md., Feb. 3, 1847, 
David Mitchell; d. Oct. 22, 1874. 



John Knowlton, a carriage-maker and farmer, lived at 
" Knowlton's Corner" during his life. He was a local 
preacher, and an exemplary Christian. His first wife was 
Sally Green, who d. May 12, 1854. He md. (2), July 22, 
1855, Sarah, dau. of Samuel Bullen, q. v.\ d. July 16, 
1862. She d. Jan. 15, 1872. Four children : — 

I. Sarah, b. May 28, 1813; md., July 9, 1829, John 

Lowell, Jr., q. v. 
II. John Linscott, b. Aug. 17, 1818; d. June 6, 1819. 

III. John, b. June 17, 1820; md., Sept. 27, 1841, Lucy 

Vaughan, who d. in x86i ; md. (2), in 1862, 
Romelia, dau. of Daniel Connor, who d. Nov, 
4, 1876. Chil. 

IV. Joseph, b. June 30, 1828; md., in 1850, Sarah 

Pratt; d. Nov. 17, 1857. 



Ebenezer Knowlton, brother of the preceding, was 
also a farmer and carriage-maker, and resided in the same 
neighborhood, where he died, July i, 1852, leaving an 
unspotted reputation. His wife, who survives him at the 
age of eighty-four, was Sally, dau. of Thomas Hiscock, 
q. V. They were married Dec. 28, 18 18. Seven chil- 
dren : — 

I. Sarah, b. Sept. 28, 1819; d. July 9, 1821. 
II. *Sa?nucl, b. Dec. 19, 182 1. 
HI. Jane, b. Nov. g, 1823; d. Oct. 17, 1824. 
IV. *El>enezer, b. July 26, 1825. 
V, Joseph, b. Sept. 14, 1827 ; d. Oct. 2, 1827. 
VI. Sarah, b. Feb. 21, 1829; md., Dec. 6, 1849, John 

R. Adams, q. v.; d. Feb. 4, 1854. 
VII. Nancy, b. May 28, 1832; md., Sept. 21, 1857, 
John R. Adams, q. v. ; d. July 19, 1875. 



Joshua Knowlton was a man respected for his amiable 
character. He cultivated a part of the homestead farm, 
and was by trade a harness-maker. He md., Nov. 10, 
1820, Lydia, dau. of John Lowell, q. v. She d. Nov. 5, 
1843 ; he md. (2), May 30, 1844, Belinda Pillsbury, who 
survives him. He d. Apr. 15, 1873. Three children: — 
I. Joshua Linscott, b. May, 182 1; md. Anlucia 

Colby. Resides in Norridgewock. 4 chil. 
II. Russell Linscott, b. Apr. i, 1823; md. Clarinda 
Blaisdell; d. Apr. 5, 1861 ; s. p. She d. Oct. 
14, 1859, aged 26. 
III. *Sylvanus, b. Mar. 17, 1827. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



523 



Dean Knowlton settled upon the homestead, and 
pursued the occupation of his father. He md., Nov. 17, 
183 1 (pub.), Mehitable, dau. of Samuel Graves of Wayne. 
She d. Sept. 25, 1848, aged 39 years; he d. Oct. 17, 1849. 
Eight children : — 

I. Samuel Dean^ b. Sept. 19, 1832 ; md., Feb. 23, 
1851, Irene Reed; md. (2 J, Sept. 20, 1864, 
Martha Tyler, b. Dec. 23, 1840, Lives on the 
homestead. 
II. Esther Jane, b. April 28, 1834; md., April 5, 1855, 
Leander Burbank of New Vineyard. 5 chil. 
Clarissa Bradford, b. Nov. 8, 1839 ; md., Nov. 27, 
1857, Aaron D. Taylor, who d. Jan. 20, 1880, 
aged 47 years. 4 chil. 

^''''y^ U Sent 2x i84i* i ^- ^''^- ^' '^43- 
Martha, \ ^- ^^^^^- ^^' '^^i , -^ ^^ j^n. 6, 1843. 

Martha, b. Jan. 14, 1845 ; md. Henry W. Bailey 

of Livermore ; d. Jan. 27, 1883. i child. 

VII. John, I u A o o < d. Nov. 24, 1848. 

•'j j' \ b. Aug. 10, 1848 ; - J X. 00 

VIII. Joshua, \ ^ ' ^ ' ( d. Nov. 5, 1848. 



III. 



IV. 

V. 

VI. 



Samuel Knowlton, eldest son of Ebenezer Knowlton, 
lived upon a farm at " Knowlton's Corner," and was by 
trade a carriage-maker. He md., July 12, 1857, Hepsie 
M. Mitchell, who d. Aug. 27, 1870. He d. June 6, 1884. 
Four children : — 

I. Frank Herbert, b. March 28, 1858. 
II. Mabel Lucy, b. May 23, 1862 ; md., Dec. 8, 1880, 
Albert Morrow. 

III. Dana Albert, b. July 19, 1865 ; d. Aug. 14, 1867. 

IV. Walter Erland, b. March 10, 1868. 



Ebenezer Knowlton was formerly a farmer, but now 
devotes himself exclusively to his trade of carriage-making. 
Resides at the Center Village. He md., Sept. 8, 1855, 
Emily A. Perry of Wilton, b. March 9, 1836. Six chil- 
dren : — 

I. Augusta Sarah, b. Aug. 18, 1857; md., [ulv 10, 

1883, Frank L. Burbank. 
II. Eben Arthur, b. April 5, J859; d. Nov. 23, 1864. 
HI. Hartiaen Jennings, b. teb. 25. 1861 ; d. Sept. 26, 

1867. 
IV. William Henry, b. Feb. 14, 1866; d. Aug. 16, 

1867. 

V. 
VI 



V. Eben Clarence, \ . j ) , . o ^r 
<\. Emily Florence, f " ' ' ' ' 



Sylvanus Knowlton, son of Joshua Knowlton, suc- 
ceeded to the homestead, and was for many years engaged 
in farming, but recently removed to the Center Village, 



524 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



1 06 



107 
108 
109 



where he is an innholder. He md., June 10, 1849, 
Rebecca F. Coburn, b. in Needham, Mass., Jan. 23, 183 1. 
Four children : — 

I. Emma Lydia, b. May 5, 1854; md., June 10, 

1877, Elbridge N. Allen of Vienna, i child. 
II. Newell Russell, b. April 30, 1856. 

III. Fred Leivis, b. Nov. 2, 1862. 

IV. Sylvanus Rice, b. June 15, 1864; md., Dec. 25, 

1881, Jennie S. Nason. 



Percival Lowle (as the name was originally spelled) embarked at 
Bristol, England, in 1639, accompanied by his wife Rebecca, two sons, 
John and Richard, with, their wives, a daughter Joanna, and her husband, 
John Oliver. He was born in 1571, and was assessor of Kingston, 
County of Surrey, in 1597. Savage says of him: "Percival was the 
eldest son of a Richard Lowle who married a Percival and drew his 
descent through eight generations by the eldest son of each, from Walter 
Lowle of Yardley in County of Worcester." These immigrants settled 
in Newbury, Mass., and it is believed that all who bear the name, with a 
few exceptions, are their descendants. One branch, from the eldest son 
of Percival, has held a prominent place in the annals of Massachusetts 
to the present time. James Russell Lowell the poet is of this family. 

From Richard and Margaret Lowle are descended the Lowells of 
Farmington. Percival, their eldest son, was born in 1639, and married, 
Sept. 7, 1664, Mary Chandler. Their second son, Gideon Lowell, was 
born Sept. 3, 1672, and settled in Amesbury, Mass., about 1720. His 
wife, whom he married July 7, 1692, was Mary Swett. Of their ten 
children, Stephen, the fifth, was born Feb. 19, 1703. He married, in 
Salisbury, Mass., Dec. 24, 1727, Mirium Collins. They were the parents 
of live sons and four daughters. Reuben, their fourth son, was an early 
pioneer to the Sandy River valley, and is noticed below. 



Reuben Lowell was born in Kingston, N. H., June 29, 
1739. There he married and remained some years, but 
moved to Brunswick about 1768. He lived there but a 
short time, and returned to Kingston. In 1783 he came 
to the Sandy River township, and took up a farm on the 
western side of the river, river-lot No. 15. Becoming 
interested in the settlement of Chesterville, he removed 
thither early in the present century, and there died, June, 
1824. Mr. Lowell was distinguished among the early 
settlers for his general intelligence and knowledge of 
affairs. He served the town of Farmington as constable 
and tax-collector. He was twice married: Dec. 15, 1761, 
to Priscilla Bartlett, who became the mother of his chil- 



i 



GEIVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



525 



4 

5 
6 

7 
8 

9 
10 
1 1 



13 
14 

Iff 
16 

17 



19 



dren, and died in 1807; Nov. 10, 1807, to Sally Williams 
of Chesterville. Kighl children : — 

I. Kosainus^ b. in Kingston, N. H., July 17, 1762. 
He never resided in this town, but settled in 
Thoniaston in 1784. Among his children 
were : Rosamus K. Lowell {vide page 298), 
who was b. in 1788, md., July 3, 182 1, Abigail, 
dau. of Aaron Stoyell, q. v., and d. June 16, 
1837 ; Hannah Lowell, the wife of Ebenezer 
Childs, q. v.\ and Joshua A. Lowell, a distin- 
guished lawyer of Machias, who was represent- 
ative from Maine to the twenty-sixth and 
twenty-seventh Congresses. 



II. Persis, b. in Kingston, N. H., June 



1764; 



md., in 1789, John Mitchell of Chesterville; d. 
Feb., 1839. fi^ "^^^ ^- ^V^- 22, 1762; d. in 
Bloomheld, Jan., 1850. 8 chil. : 

1. Lowell Mitchell, b. Dec. 28, 1790. 

2. Jonathan Mitchell, b. Apr. 11, 1793. 

3. Persis Mitchell, b. May 20, 1795. 

4. John Mitchell, b. Aug. 24, 1797. 

5. William Mitchell, b. July 28, 1799. 

6. Sophia Mitchell, b. Sept. 10, 1804. 

7. Rhoda Mitchell, b. Oct. 22, 1806. 

8. Hannah Mitchell, b. Apr. 4, 1808. 

III. Sarah, b. in Kingston, Jan. 5, 1767; md. Samuel 

Eames, q. v.\ d. Aug. 12, 1794. 

IV. * Joshua Bartlett, b. in Brunswick, Mar. 23, 1769. 
v. Han/iah, b. in Brunswick, May 9, 177 1; d. July 

9, 17S9. 
VI. *Eeul)en, Jr., b. in Brunswick, Sept. 16, 1773. 
VII. *Samuel, b. in Kingston, Jan. 4, 1776. 
VIII. * John, b. in Kingston, Aug. 23, 1778. 

Joshua B. Lowell settled in Chesterville. He was the 
first clerk of that town, and served in that capacity for 
nine consecutive years. He was also selectman for six 
years, was postmaster, and the first innkeeper in the town. 
He died Mar. 12, 182 1, from the effects of a paralytic 
shock. Mr. Lowell md., Jan. 25, 1795, Elizabeth, dau. of 
Benjamin Heath, q. v., who d. Nov. 20, 1822. Thirteen 
children, b. in Chesterville: — 



III. 



Benjamin, b. Sept. 2, 1795 ; d. Aug. 19, i8og. 
Sarah, b. May 28, 1797; nid. Jacob Ames of 

C'hestervdle. 
Samuel, b. Mar. 5, 1799; md., June 10, 182 1, 

Hannah, dau. of Reuben Lowell, Jr., q. v.; d. 



67 



526 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 
30 

(15) 



31 
32 

zz 

34 

35 
36 



Dec. 20, 1838. Always lived in Chesterville. 
8 chil. 
IV. Bartlett, b. Dec. 17, 1800; md., Sept. i, 1825, 
Ruth Bean; d. Oct. 27, 1874. She d. May 
17, 1884. Resided in Chesterville. 2 chil. 
V. Reuben, b. Sept. 12, 1802; md. Lois Bradbury; 

d. Apr. 5, 1867. 
VI. Elizabeth, b. July 20, 1804; md., 1823, Benj. B. 
Bradbury. 6 chil., among whom is the gifted 
authoress, Mrs. Hannah B. Goodwin. 
VII. Hannah, b. June 14, 1806 ; md., May 16, 1826 

(pub.), Lucius Morrison; d. Jan. 11, 1829. 
VIII. James Madisoji, b. Dec. 4, 1808; d. Aug. 25, 
1825. 
IX. Benjamin, b. Jan. 15, 1811 ; d. Sept. 28, 1814. 
X. Julia Ann, b. Mav 27, 1813; md. Nathaniel M. 
Williams, D. D. Resides in Warner, N. H. 
I child. 
XI. Lydia, b. Apr., 1815; d. in infancy. 
XII. * Simeon Heath, b. Aug. 16, 1S16. 
XIII. Andre7v Jaikson, b. Feb. 13, 18 19. Lives in Cali- 
fornia. 



Reuben Lowell, Jr., came into the country as a lad 
with his father. He first settled in Wilton, but returned 
to Farmington, purchased of his brother-in-law, Samuel 
Eames, a part of river-lot No. 13, west side, and there 
spent his active life. His last days were passed with his 
children in Abbot, where he died, Sept. 20, 1841. Mr. 
Lowell md., in 1795, Betsey Smith, who d. Aug. 6, 1827, 
aged 52 years; md. (2), Apr. 25, 1830, Sally Willard. 
Nine children : — 

I. Oliver, b. in Wilton, June 5, 1796; md., Apr. 30, 
1820, Jane, dau. of Samuel Knowlton, q. v.; 
md. (2), Dec. 31, 1822, Mary Maddocks ; md. 
(3), in 185 1, Jane Waugh. Removed to Abbot, 
and there d., Sept. ro, 1883. 
II. Priscilla, b. in Wilton, Sept. 20, 1797 ; md., Feb. 
2, 1818 (pub.), Thomas Cook of Belgrade; d. 
in 1827. 

III. Hannah, b. in Wilton, Feb. 13, 1799; md., June 

10, 182 1, Samuel, son of Joshua B. Lowell, 
q. V. ; d. Nov. 23, 187 1. 

IV. Betsey, b. in Wilton, Jan., iSoi ; md., Mar. 7, 

1820, William P. Cook of VVaterville ; d. May 
3i, 1877. 
V. Lydia, b. in Temple, Aug. 11, 1802 ; md., Jan. 12, 

1832 (pub.), Jacob M. Cook of New Sharon. 
VI. Reuben, T,d, b. Jan. 15, 1805 ; d. Aug. 9, 1825. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



527 



VII. 
VIII. 



IX. 



Eunice; d. in childhood. 

Philip Sfnit/i, b. 1808; md., July 25, 1831, Harriet 

B., dau. of Winthrop Butler, q. v.\ md. (2), in 

1858, Mrs. Jane (Dow) Green. Lives on one 

of the Sandwich Islands. 
Leonard, b. iSio; d. in Abbot, Sept. 17, 1837; 

unmd. 



Samuel Lowell came as a child to the township, and 
succeeded to the homestead farm, where he spent his 
active lite. He passed his old age with his children in 
Abbot, where he died, Sept. 5, 1862. Mr. Lowell was 
famous as a hunter and trapper, and had a most keen 
relish for the sports of the chase. He md., Dec. 22, 1803 
(pub.), Elizabeth Bartlett of Mt. Vernon, who d. in 1815 ; 
he md. (2), Dec. 23, 18 16 (pub.), Miriam Sherburne of 
Readfield ; d. Aug., 1827. Nine children: — 

I. Sarah, b, 1805; nid., Oct. 8, 1830, Jonathan 

Brown. Lives in Abbot. 
II. Samuel, b. Dec. 2, 1807 ; d. in Dexter, Apr. 20, 
1875 ; unmd. 
*Timothy Bartlett, b. Oct. 13, 1809. 
Si?neon, b. 181 1 ; d. Oct., 1843; "nmd. 
William Wheelock, b. June 8, 1813 ; md. Fidelia 
Coburn ; removed to Dover, where he d., Aug, 
18, 1864. 
VI. Jesse, b. 1815 ; d. in infancy. 

Second marriage : 

VII. Henry Sherburne, b. Nov., 1819 ; removed to E. 
Pubnico, Nova Scotia, where he married and 
lives. 3 chil. 
VIII. Miriam, b. Jan. 30, 1820; md., Jan. 30, 1838, 
Isaac D. Atwood. 4 chil. 
IX. Nelson True, b. July 30, 1824; md., in 1847, 
Zilpha Weeks, and removed to Yankee Jim's, 
Cal. 



III. 

IV. 
V. 



John Lowell purchased a part of back-lot No. 5, west 
side, and there spent his life as a farmer. He was a good 
citizen and upright man. He md., Apr. 20, 1802, Lois 
Bartlett, who was born in 1783, and d. Jan. 26, 1859. He 
d. Apr. 5, 186S. Nine children: — 

I. Lydia, b. Dec. 21, 1802; md., Nov. 10, 1820, 

Joshua Knowlton, q. v.; d. Oct. 6, 1843. 
II, * Joshua Battlctt, b. Jan. i, 1805. 
III. * John, b. Apr. 29, 1807. 



528 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



53 
54 
55 
56 
57 

(29) 

58 

59 
60 

61 

(42) 



62 

63 

64 

65 
66 

67 

(50) 



IV. Befijamin, b. Oct. 5, 1809; md., Feb, 2, 1840, 
Adeline Nilfes. Is a carriage-maker at West 
Farmington ; s. p. 
V. Harriet, b. Dec. 20, 181 1; d. Oct. 16, 1838; 

unmd. 
VI. Lois, b. Apr. 7, 1814; md., June 20, 1841, Martin 

K. Bailey. 
VII. Emily, b. July 17, 1817; md., Feb. 18, 1840, 

Amasa Niles of Freeman; d. Oct. 6, 1843. 
VIII. Barzilla, b. July 10, 1821 ; d. Oct. 20, 1872; 
unmd. 
IX. Martha Ann, b. May i, 1824; md., Dec. 25, 187 1, 
Aaron Fellows of Chesterville. 



Simeon H. Lowell {vide page 279) md., Oct. 29, 1846, 
Louisa, dau. of Josiah Prescott, q. v.\ d. Aug. 2, 1876. 
Four children : — 

I. Mary Elizabeth, b. Sept. 20, 1847 ; md., Aug. 22, 
1878, Abel McFarland of Napa, Cal. ; d. Feb. 
24, 1879. 
II. Prescott, b. in E. Machias, Mar. 3, 1849 ; d. Dec. 
8, 1861. 

III. Frank, b. in E. Machias, Sept. 9, 1852 ; md., 

Sept. 30, 1877, Hattie M. Kelly. Lives in 
Phillips. 1 child. 

IV. Julia Virginia, b. in Phillips, June 15, 1859 ; d. 

Dec. 23, 1861. 



Timothy Bartlett Lowell went to Abbot when a 
young man, and was in business there for a time. He 
returned to Farmington in 1844, and took his father's 
farm, where he resided until his death. He md., Aug. 25, 
1844, Wealthy S. Briggs, who was b. in Greene, July 10, 
1826. He d. Nov. 4, 1884. Five children : — 

I. Jnlia Ella, b. May 30, 1846; md., Feb. 3, 1875, 
Augustine A., son of Isaac D. and Miriam 
(Lowell) Atwood. i child : 

I. Mira Atwood, b. Sept. 2, 1876. 

II. * George Edward, b. Apr. 21, 1848. 

III. ^Hervey William, b. Dec. 28, 185 1. 

IV. Amanda, b. June 4, 1855; "^'^•j ^^^- i3) 1880, 

Theodore Lavender of New York. 
V. Howard, b. July 28, i860. 



Joshua Bartlett Lowell settled on a farm adjoining 
that of his father. He was a mechanic as well as farmer, 
having the trade of wheelwright. Mr. Lowell was twice 
married: April 24, 1827, to Chloe, dau. of Robert M. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



529 



68 
69 

70 

71 

72 

73 

74 
(51) 

75 
76 

77 
78 

79 
80 

81 



Morrison, who was b. at Middletown, Mass., Feb. 13, 1803 ; 
she d. Dec. 5, 1850, and he md. (2), Feb. 13, 185 1, Han- 
nah Cooper Burbank, who was b. in Freeman, March 29, 
1818, and d. instantly, May 24, 1883. His death occurred 
Nov. I, 1884. Seven children : — 

I. Joshua Jophaiius, b. Nov. 22, 1843; d. at Camp 
Pitcher, Va., Feb. 11, 1863, unmd. He was a 
volunteer in Company G, 17th Regiment of 
Maine Volunteers. 
II. George Morrison, b. Nov. 22, 1850; d. July 31, 
1872, unmd. 

Second marriage : 

III. Hannah E7n7na, b. Jan. 3, 1852 ; md., Dec. 14, 

1872, Aaron H. Dyer. 2 chil. 

IV. Charles, b. May 3, 1853; md., Dec. 8, 1884, Mrs. 

Klla H Knowlton. 
V. Jesse Sumner, ^ k i 1 . o 

VI. Ja7nes Sullivan, \ ' ^ ^ ' •^^' 

Jesse Sumner md., Aug. 29, 1884, Gertrude L. 

Jacks. 
James Sullivan d. July ri, 1855. 
VII. Mary, b. Oct. 21, 1861 ; d. Nov. 1, 1861. 



John Lowell, Jr., was a farmer and carriage-maker, 
and resided on the farm on the west side of the river now 
owned by J. Dearborn Josselyn. He md., July 9, 1829, 
Sarah, dau. of John Knowlton, q.v.; d. Dec. 27, 1862. 
Five children : — 

I. Sarah Rosainond, b. March 9, 1830; md., April 
17, 1853, James Greeley Timberlake, who was 
b. Feb. II, 1827. 2 chil. : 

1. Flora Marilla Timberlake, b. Oct. 2, 

1855 ; md., March 20, 1875, Clarence 
F. Lovejoy, who d. July 26, 1883. 
I child. ^ 

2. E^tta May Timberlake, b. Aug. 5, 1865 ; 

d. July 2, 1867. 

II. John Rosamus, b. July, 1832 ; md., April, 1852, 
Kliza A., dau. of Benjamin Butterfield, q. v. ; d. 
in Rockport, Dak., July 14, 1884. 2 chil. 

III. Anna Marilla, b. Jan., 1836; d. Oct. 17, 1881, 

unmd. 

IV. Benjamin Franklin, b. Dec, 1837 ; md., Aug., 

1861, Sarah E. Perham ; d. Oct. 23, 1882 ; s.p. 
V. Joseph Kno7vlton, b. Jan., 1845 i '^- J'^"- 3' 1862, 
unmd. 



530 

(64) 

82 

(65) 



83 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

George E. Lowell, eldest son of Timothy B. Lowell, 
is a resident of West Farmington. He md., in 1879, Clara 
Bean. One child : — 

L George Sufnner, b. March 9, 1880. 



Hervey W. Lowell is a prosperous merchant at West 
Farmington, where he has been engaged in business since 
1874. He md., June 13, 1881, Henrietta Keith, dau. of 
Russell S. and Betsey (Keith) Currier of Wilton, who was 
b. Sept. 2, 1861. One child : — 

L Arthur Currier, b. April 11, 1884. 



5tlUHkcm 

The immigrant ancestor of this family was Hugh Milliken, who, with 
his wife Ellison and son John, came to America about 1680, and settled 
in Boston, Mass. They were from Scotland, where John was born about 
1667. He married, in 1690, Elizabeth Alger of Boston, and had seven 
sons and one daughter, all born and educated in Boston. He removed 
to Scarborough in 1719, and took possession of his wife's inheritance, a 
large landed estate which she held in her own right. Mr. Southgate, in 
his History of Scarborough, says: "About 1730 John, Jr., Samuel, 
Edward, and Nathaniel Milliken, sons of John, purchased the right of 
the other Alger heirs to tlie Dunston estate, and settled there." John 
Milliken, the father, became an enterprising farmer, as will appear from 
the following extract from a letter written by him : "I have cleared a 
great deal of land and have made several miles of fence this year. I 
have planted as much land as three busjiels of corn would plant, and 
sowed as much as seven bushels of peas would sow, and as much as 
thirteen bushels of oats and barley would sow." Mr. Southgate further 
says : " The numerous families of this name in the town and vicinity are 
the descendants of John Milliken through these four sons." Edward the 
Judge, one of the sons, was born in Boston about 1700, married, and had 
a large family of sons and daughters. Among his sons was Edward, Jr., 
who was born in Scarborough, Mar. 3, 1733, and was the father of Joseph 
Milliken. 



Joseph Milliken was born in Scarborough, Feb. 6, 
1776, where his youth and early manhood were passed. 
After his marriage, he removed with his wife and two 
children to Farmington. The journey, which occupied 
nearly a week, was made in company with Richard Rice 
and family, in January, 1805. The remainder of that 
winter Mr. Milliken spent with Capt. Silas Perham. In 
1807 he purchased a part of back-lot No. 22, east side, 
where he settled and brought up his family of nine chil- 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 531 

dren, giving them all the available opportunities for educa- 
tion, and teaching them industry and economy. His 
eight sons were trained in the pursuit of agriculture, which 
they abandoned, as they came to act for themselves, and 
chose professional or mechanical callings which were more 
congenial to their tastes. This family has been one of 
great vitality, and the family circle remained unbroken 
during the lifetime of the parents. Mr. Milliken md., 
Nov. 27, 1800, Mary Belcher Tarbox, who was b. in 
Scarborough, Oct. 16, 1777, and d. May 31, 1848. Her 
husband d. Aug. 7, 1850. Nine children :— 

I. Zachariah Tarbox, b. Aug. 31, 1801. He began 
life as a cabinet-maker at the Center Village, 
and afterwards bought of his father-in-law, 
Edward Butler, the Farmington Hotel, which 
he conducted until 1846, when he sold to his 
brother Jotham. He then went into the oil 
business in Boston with his brother Ebenezer. 
For many years his home was in Chelsea, 
where he died. Mr. Milliken served the town 
as clerk in 1841, and was county treasurer in 
1844-4.6. He md., Dec. 6, 1827, Ann Norton, 
dau. of Edward Butler, q. v.\ d. Jan. 7, 1883. 
6 chil. 

II. Mehitable Coolbroth, b. July 29, 1803 ; md , April 
6, 1823, Benjamin Dodge; d. Oct. 25, 1883. 
He d. Nov. 21, 1872. 5 chil. 
in. Ebenezer Coolbroth, b. March 14, 1805. He was 
educated at the Academy ; studied medicine 
and received the degree of M. D. at Bowdoin 
College in 1833. He had a successful practice 
in Winthrop from 1835 to 1S37, when he re- 
moved to Boston, and went into the oil trade 
with his brother-in-law, Joseph Norris. He 
retired from active business a few years since, 
but is still a resident of Boston. He md., Oct. 
27, 1831, Keturah Fairbanks Norris, who d. 
Sept. 3, 185 1 ; he md. (2), Jan. 4, 1854, Char- 
lotte J. Tinker. 8 chil. 

IV. Joseph, b. Feb. 26, 1807; md., June ii, 1832, 
Mary Ann, dau. of Nathaniel Woods, q. v., 
who d. July 17, 1867 ; md. (2), June 11, 1870, 
Margaret Ann Call ; d. in Snxeville, Wis., in 
1S73. 6 chil. 

v. Elias Tarbox, b. April 10, 1809. A successful 
merchant of Boston, he was identified with the 
oil trade of that city for over forty years. He 
md., Jan. 19, 1844, Mary Ann Fogg, who d. 
Aug. 15, i860; d. Dec. 3, 1884. 3 t-liil. 



532 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(7) 



13 
14 

IS 

16 
17 



19 
20 
21 



VI. 
VIl. 



VIII. 



IX. 



^ Jotha7n Sewall, b. March 21, 181 1. 
yt*///? Jeliison, b. May 25, 1813; nid., July 26, 

1837, Nancv Prescott ; d. Sept. 14, 18S4. 3 

chil. 
Edward, b. April i, 1815 ; md., Nov. 27, 1837, 

Lucia Ann Bacon. Resides in New Bedford, 

Mass. 6 chil. 
Losing Jellison, b. Feb. 7, 1820; md., Nov. 15, 

1846, Lydia Ann Haynes. Resides in Buxton, 

4 chil. 



JoTHAM S. MiLLiKEN was a school-teacher in early life ; 
he afterwards carried on the blacksmithing business at 
Strong until 1846, when he purchased the Farmington 
Hotel, now Hotel Marble, at Farmington, which he con- 
ducted for a period of twenty-five years. He md., Dec. 
15, 1835, Susan B., dau. of Thomas and Lydia (Knowlton) 
Wellman, who was b. Nov. 10, 181 2, and d. July 29, 1870. 
He md. (2), May 14, 187 1, Anna L., dau. of George W. 
and Mary (Smith) Williams, who was b. in Salem, Feb. 
15, 1848. Eleven children; — 

I. William Hartwcll, b. Sept. 22, 1836 ; md., Oct. 
30, 1859, Mary A. Hillman. Resides in Port- 
land. 4 chil. 
II. John Sewall, b. May 10, 1839; md., July 24, 
1864, Henrietta Clark ; d. Aug. 29, 1872. 2 
chil. 

III. Charles Dodge, b. May 2, 1841 ; md., Jan. 10, 

1872, Helen D. Knowles. Resides in New 
Bedford, Mass. 3 chil. 

IV. George Henry, b. Oct. 22, 1843 '■> '^i^'m Aug. 14, 

1866, Hattie P^mmons. Resides in New Bed- 
ford, Mass. 3 chil. 
V. Laura Pierce, b. Feb. 22, 1847 ; md., July 22, 
1868, William W. Richards. Resides in Hack- 
ensack, N. J. 6 chil. 
VI. Augicstus Eugene, b. March 4, 1850; d. June 18, 

1856. 
VII. Frank, b. Dec. 22, 1853; md., Nov. i, i8Sr, 
Susan B. Crowell. Resides at New Bedford, 
Mass. 2 chil. 

Second marriage : 

VIII. Carrie Howard, b. Dec. 3, 1S73 ; d. Nov. 14, 
1874. 
IX. Jothani Sewall, b. Sept. 20, 1875. 
X. Earl, b. Sept. 8, 1878. 
XI. Mary Maud Hers ey, b. Feb. 7, 1882. 



GEIVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



533 



Abraliam Morrill, the immii^rant, perhaps came to this country in the 
Lion with his brother Isaac in 1632. He removed to Salisbury, Mass.. 
with the original proprietors, where, in 1650, only four men were heavier 
ta.\-payers. His marriage with .Sarah, daughter of Robert Clement of 
Haverhill, took place June 10, 1645, and his death occurred while on a 
visit to Ro.xbury, June 20, 1662. His nine children were Isaac, Jacob, 
Sarah, Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Richard, Lydia, and Hephzibah. Isaac, 
the eldest, — born July 10, 1646, — was a resident of Salisbury, and had 
a son Jacob, born May 25, 16^7. 

The ancestry of David Morrill can be traced in patriarchal succession, 
through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to Samuel Morrill, whose son Levi 
was an early settler of Readfield, and the father of David. 



David Morrill was born in Brentwood, N. H., Sept. 
23, 1779, and when fourteen years of age removed with 
his parents to Readfield. He learned the trade of a 
house-joiner, and came to this town near the opening of 
the present century. He made his home at the Falls 
village, erecting the house now owned by Thomas Cros- 
well. In 1810, Col. Beale having purchased his property, 
he removed to the Chesterville side of the river, where he 
made a permanent residence. Mr. Morrill was an ac- 
ceptable local Free-Will Baptist preaclier, and prominent in 
the municipal affairs of his adopted town. He was a 
representative to the legislature in 1824 and in 1827. He 
md., Feb. 10, 1801, Lucinda, dau. of John F. Woods, g. v. 
He was instantly killed by falling from the beams of his 
barn, Dec. 28, 1842. Ten children: — 

Lucinda, b. Jan. 29, 1802 ; d. Mar. 2, 1803. 

Mary, b. Dec. 8, 1803 ; d. young. 

David Ctirrier, b. Dec. 4, 1804; md., Apr. 27, 
1828, Martha, dau. of Thomas D. Blake, q. v.; 
d. June 12, 1877. 
IV. John Woods, b. Oct. 29. 1806; md., July 19, 1833, 
Kmeline Whittier. Resides in Chesterville, 

Cyrus Gould, b. Nov. 21, 1808; md., June 16, 
183 1, Lucinda M., dau. of John Gould, q. v.; 
md. (2), Nov. II, 1863, Mrs. Marcia A. May- 
hew, dau. of Nathaniel Greenwood, q. v.; d. in 
Washington, D. C, Apr. 9, 1869. Represented 
the Wilton district in the legislature, and held 
a clerkship in one of the departments at Wash- 
ington at the time of his death, 

Levi Richmond, b. Oct. i^ii 1810 ; md., June 4, 1835, 
Sarah J. Osgood; d. in Farmington, Aug. 25, 
1882, bdt was buried in Aurora, Ind., his home 
for forty-four years. 

SaviucJ J lumnicr, b. Feb. 11, 18 16. 



2 


I 


3 


II 


4 


III 


5 


IV 


6 


V 



68 



534 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



9 

lO 



(8) 



13 



VIII. Dudley Greely, b. Mar. 4, 1818 ; md., May 12, 1842, 
Mary Spaulding. Resides in Chesterville. 
IX. Marv Alice, b. July 31, 1822 ; md., Mar. 31, 1844, 

Clark W. Gordon; d. Mar. 6, 1861. 
X, Benjatnin Franklin, b. Jan. 17, 1824; md., June 
I, 1852, Louisa P. Woodcock, who d. June 30, 
1864; md. (3), Mar. 25, 1875, Martha Jane 
Stowers, who d. Jan. 9, 1878. Resides at 
Farmington Falls. 



Samuel Plummer Morrill spent his early life in 
Chesterville, where he held various military and civil 
offices. He entered the ministry of the Free-Will liaptist 
Church, and has continued preaching until the present 
time when not engaged in other pursuits. From 1848 
until 1853 he acted as pastor of the Free-Will Baptist 
Church at Farmington. He was elected register of deeds 
for Franklin County in 1857, and re-elected in 1867. In 
1869 Mr. Morrill resigned this position to take his seat in 
the forty-first Congress, to which he had been previously 
elected. For several years he has resided in Chesterville. 
He md., Nov. 28, 1838, Mary J., dau. of John and Mary 
Case. Two children : — 

I. Charles Plummer, b. Sept. 13, 1839 ; md., Nov. 
27, 1866, Ellen S., dau. of Amasa Corbett, 
g. V. Is a physician at North Andover, Mass. 
3 chil. 
II. George Henry, b. Feb. i, 1847 ; unmd. 



The families of Morrison are of Scotch-Irish descent. The Farming- 
ton family traces its ancestry to William Morrison, who resided in 
Bridgewater, Mass., in the last century, and was probably a son of the 
immigrant who settled near Boston. His wife was Sarah Montgomery, 
a sister of Gen. Richard Montgomery, who fell in the attack on Oueber, 
Dec. 31, 1775. Of their three sons, William removed to Middleboro', 
Robert settled in Falmouth, and James went to the territory of Ohio. 
William Morrison married, in 1772, Hannah Benson, and spent the later 
years of his life in Farmington, where several of his children settled. 
Among them were John, Robert Montgomery, and Jane, wife of Abraham 
Johnson. 

John Morrison was born in Middleborough, Mass., 
Mar. 3, 1784, and came to Farmington with his father in 
the spring of 1805. He bought of Samuel Sewall the 
farm now owned by his son, John B. Morrison, and others, 
where he resided until his death. Mar. 30, 1857. Mr, 
Morrison was a prominent citizen, and was called to many 
positions of trust and responsibility by his townsmen. He 
was in religious belief a Universalist, gave liberally of his 



(4) 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 535 

substance to relieve the poor and destitute, and left an 
unspotted record. He was elected a selectman in 1821- 
22. Mr. Morrison md., June 24, 1813, Sarah, dau. of 
Prancis Tufts, Jr., q. v., who d. Jan. 13, 1852. Seven 
children : — 

I. Sara/i, b. June 24, 1815 ; md., May 16, 1859, 
Jonas Green of Wilton ; d. Aug. 24, 1870. 
He d. Nov. 23, 1872. 
II. Jfl/in Bensoji, b. July 20, 1820; was educated at 
Farinington Academy. For many years he 
was a successful teacher in the public schools, 
mostly of this State, and served the town as 
one of its S. S. Committee for sixteen years. 
He settled on a portion of the homestead, and 
has successfully combined various business 
pursuits with farming. He was a representa- 
tive to the legislature in 1856-57. He md., 
Oct. 20, 1842, Leonore, dau. of Stephen and 
Esther (Harris) Allen, who was b. in Jay, Mar. 
17, 1823 ; s. p. 

III. * William, b. Oct. 8, 182 1. 

IV. Hannah, b. Aug. 22, 1824; md., Jan. i, 1846, 

Charles Woodward of Wilton ; " d. Nov 20' 
1848. I child. ^' 

V. *Robert Mo?itgomery, b. July 26, 1826. 
VI. *Benjavtin Franklin, b. Apr. 9, 1832. 
VII. Elizabeth Caroline, b. Feb. 17, 1835; ni^l., Sept. 
I, 186 r, Dr. William Randall {vide page 283). 
2 chil. : 

I. William Morrison Randall, b. Oct. 26 
1864. 
2. John Benson Randall, b. May 26, 1867. 



William Morrison resides in Farmington, near the 
village of North Chesterville, where he has for many years 
successfully operated mills and machinerv in connection 
with farming. He md., Dec. 9, 1848, Mrs. Esther H. 
Woodworth, dau. of Stephen and Esther (Harris) Allen 
who was b. Jan. 3, x8i8, and d. July 13, 1862. He md' 
(2), May 12, 1863, Mrs. Josephine (Godding) Thompson, 
who was b. in Jay, July 20, 1825. Two children : — 

I. William Harrison, b. Nov. 4, 1850; graduated 
from Tufts College in 1875, and from its Divin- 
ity School in 1878. He now preaches in 
W^akefield, Mass. He md., June 24, 1879, 
Alice W. Bickford, b. in Gloucester, Mass., 
July 14, 1856. I dau. 
IT. Joseph Allen, b. Oct. 10, 1852 ; md., Dec. 4, 1880, 
Annie Ney, b. in New York City, Dec. 10, 
1858. He is a jeweler at Pittsfield. i son. 



536 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(6) 



^3 

15 

(7) 



16 
17 



Robert Montgomery Morrison was a farmer in early- 
life, but many years ago went to South Boston and entered 
the Bay State Iron Works as a common laborer. He 
rapidly rose to the position of assistant superintendent, 
which he held at the time of his death. He was a man of 
good sense, liberal in his religious convictions, and thor- 
oughly sincere, while his heart and purse were always 
open to the poor and destitute. He md., Jan, i, 1S50, 
Sibyl M. Ford, b. in Livermore, June 12, 1826. He d. 



Jan. 6, i( 



Three children : 



I. Frank Clinton^ b. Oct. 3, 1850 ; 

1874, Emma Works Bradford. 
II. Sarah Elizabeth^ b. May 29, 1856. 
III. Nancy Taylor^ b. Feb. 9, i860; 
1 88 1, Charles Haines of Boston. 



md., Oct. 28, 



md., Sept. ID, 
2 chil. 



Benjamin Franklin Morrison received his elementary 
education at Farmington Academy, and the degree of 
A. B. from Bowdoin College in i860. He has made 
teaching his profession, and taught in Lynn, Mass., from 
1854 to 1858; in Nantucket, Mass., from 1858 to 1862; 
in Weston, Mass., from 1862 to 1864. He then went to 
Placerville, Cal., where he was connected with the High 
School in that place for two years. Since 1866 he has 
been teaching the grammar school in Medford, Mass., 
where he now resides. He md., Aug. 29, 1854, Eliza, 
dau. of John and Eliza (Thomas) Richards, b. in Strong, 
Nov. 9, 183 1. Two children : — 



John, b. July 19, 1855. 

Grace, b Aug. 3, 1857 ; d. Sept. 30, 1873. 



Morton* 

This large and respectable family is probably of English descent, but 
the writer is unable to trace its ancestry further than to Nicholas Norton, 
who is found a resident of the county of Duke's County, Mass., as early 
as 1669. Tradition gives his birthplace as Weymouth, Mass., but he 
married his wife Elizabeth in Duke's County. He had one son, Joseph, 
who was the father of Ebenezer and John Norton. Ebenezer married 
Deborah, daughter of Experience Mayhew, and had four children, Elia- 
kim, Peter, Mehitable, and Jedidah. John died early in life, leaving a 
son John. 



Peter Norton of Revolutionary renown, son of Eben- 
ezer and Deborah (Mayhew) Norton, was born in Edgar- 
town, Mass., Sept. 9, 17 18. He inherited from his father 
a landed estate lying chiefly in Edgartown, and became a 
large farmer. Of his family of ten sons, all but Samuel, 
Andrew, Ichabod, and Peter, left their native Island 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 537 

probably between 1788 and 1796, generally with large 
families, and settled in Farmington or vicinity, while three 
of the sons of Samuel above-named, Henry, Samuel, and 
Tristam, settled in New Portland and Kingfield early in 
the history of those towns, and became industrious and 
successful farmers. He md., in 1740, Sarah, dau. of 
Cornelius Bassett, who was b. March 19, 1720. Thirteen 
children ; — 

I. *Ebenczer, b. Aug. 29, 1741. 
II. Samuel, b. April 16, 1743. 

III. Patty, b. Oct. 16, 1744; d. unmd. 

IV. Cornelius, b. Feb. 27, 1746. He left the town- 
ship after a temporary residence, and in 1794 
settled upon the " gore " as one of the pioneers 
of the town of Industry, where he spent the 
remainder of his active and useful life. He 
was deacon of the Baptist Church, and an 
exemplary Christian. His first wife was Lydia 
Claghorn of Martha's Vineyard. They had a 
family of four sons and six daughters : Corne- 
lius, wno married Margaret, daughter of Supply 
Belcher, q. v. ; Ebenezer, who married Rebecca, 
daughter of E!liakim Norton, q. v. ; Zebulon 
and Winthrop, who were lost at sea; Elizabeth, 
who married John Holmes of Martha's Vine- 
yard; Lydia, who married Josiah Butler; 
Deborah, who married Jeremiah Smith; Susan- 
nah, who married James Gower, q. %). ; Sarah, 
who married Ebenezer Vaughan ; and Martha, 
who married Thomas D. Blake, q. v. 

V. Lydia. b. Nov. 17, 1747 ; d. unmd. 
VI. *Eliakim, b. March 25, 1749. 
VII. Mehitahle, b. Nov. 17, 1750; md. Henry Butler ; 

settled in New Vineyard. 
VIII. * Ephraifii, b. Aug. 28, 1752. 
V^ IX. '* Zachariah, b. Aug. 28, 1754. 
X. * Joseph, b. June 4, 1756. 
XI. Andrew, b. Feb. 7, 1758. 
XII. Ichabod, b. Dec. 17, 1761 ; d. unmd. 
XIII. Peter, b. Oct. 4, 1763 ; d. unmd. 



Ebenezer Norton moved into the township in 1791, 
and settled on river-lot No. 32, east side, and a part of lot 
No. 31 adjoining, the same now owned by Richard R. 
Norton and others. He possessed considerable means, 
and the year before his removal thither, employed his two 
eldest sons, Andrew and Elijah, to visit the township and 
secure a tract of land (which they purchased of Amos and 
Ezekiel Page) upon which to erect suitable buildings for 
the reception of his family. In 1790 they built the large 



538 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



15 
16 



17 
18 

20 

21 

22 

23 



24 



25 

26 

27 



(7) 



28 
29 
30 
31 



house now owned by Richard R. Norton, and the following 
year a barn near the interval. These were among the 
first framed buildings in the township. Mr. Norton was 
elected one of the selectmen in iSoi, and represented the 
town in the Massachusetts legislature of 1804. He md., 
Sept. 24, 1761, Elizabeth Smith, b. March 26, 1743, and 
d, June 6, 181 1. He d. Aug. 26, 1805. Thirteen chil- 
dren : — 

I. Sarah, b. Aug. 4, 1762 ; d. Oct. 15, 1762. 
II. Andf-ew, b. Dec. 30, 1763; md., March, 1803, 
Mrs. Mary Pease; d. May, 1826. 

III. * Elijah, b. July 27, 1765. 

IV, Sarah Bassett, b. May 29, 1767 ; md., Aug. 2, 

1792, Thomas Flint, g. v. ; d. Aug, 4, 1833. 
V. Martha, b. Dec. 20, 1769; md., Dec, 26, 1793, 

Hartson Cony, q. v. ; d. Nov. 5, 1850. 
VI. Elizabeth, b. March 25, 1772 ; md., Nov. 18, 1817, 

John Pickford ; d. Sept. 29, 1858. 
vri. * Peter, b. July 19, 1774. 

VIII, Ebejiezer, b. July 9, 1777; md., November, 1799, 
Clarissa Warren Butler; d. in Webster. 
IX, Lydia, b. March 14, 1779; md., April 3, 1800, 
John Flint; d. Aug. 12, 1854. He was b. in 
Nobleborough, Feb. 16, 1774; d. in Bath, 
March 19, 1826. 
X. Jeremiah, b. May 21, 1781; md., July, 1807, 
Mehitable, dau. of Richard and Abbie (Rolfej 
Rice; d. March 18, 1814; she d. at Solon, 
May 31, 1867, aged 77 years. 3 chil. 
XI. Clarissa, b. Sept. 14, 1784; d. Nov. 15, 1863; 

unmd. 
XII. * George Washington, b. Feb. 16, 1787. 
XIII. Satmiel Bassett, b. Oct. 20, 1789; md., March, 
1818, Martha Day, who d. Oct, 23, 1829; md. 
(2), April 2, 1832, Mary Norcross, who d. Ajoril 
18, 1872 ; d. at Pontiac, 111., Aug, 29, 1874. 



Eliakim Norton, fourth son of Major Peter Norton, 
was an early settler on river-lot No, 18, east side, known 
as the Joseph Brown farm, and at present owned by D. V, 
B. Onnsby and others. After a few years' residence there, 
he removed to Norridgewock, where he died. The writer 
has failed to ascertain the details of his family history, but 
the births of his eleven children, natives of Edgartown, 
Mass., are here inserted : — 

I. Hannah, b. Aug. 5, 1776. 
II. Cornelius Bassett, > , t o 

III. Afehitable, ' ^- b. June 5, 1778. 

IV, Rebecca, b. July 4, 1780. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



539 



46 

47 

48 



V. Love, b. Aug. 24, 1782. 

VI. Winthrop, b. Sept. 29, 1784. 

VII. Ichabod, b. Dec. 27, 1786. 

VIII. Thomas, b. Oct. 10, 1789. 

IX. Sarah, b. April 15, 1792. 

X. Peter, b. March 31, 1794. 

XI, Eliza, b. June 5, 1796. 



Ephraim Norton was in. early lite a sailor, and engaged 
in the whale fishery. He probably came to the township 
in 1788, and settled temporarily on river-lot No. 31, east 
side, but soon removed to a lot in the "gore," where 
Timothy S. Norton now (1885) resides, and where he lived 
to the close of his lite. His wife, whose name was 
Deborah Instance, d. in 1825. He d. in 1839. ^^•''' ^'^i'" 
dren, four of whom were b. in Tisbury, Mass., and two in 
Farmington : — 

I. Anna. b. Aug. 11, 1775 ; d. Sept. 23, i860; unmd. 
II. Sarah, b. Feb. 28, 1778; d. in 1830; unmd. 

III. Mehitable, b. July 26, 1780; md., Jan. 23, iSoo, 

Edward Butler, q. v. 

IV. * James Instance, b. March 8, 1783. 

V. Ephraim, b. April 29, 1789 ; md., Jane Norton 
of Martha's Vineyard, Mass.; d. May 25, 1S75. 
She d. Nov. 26, 185 1, aged 57 years. 
VI. Deborah, b. April 29, 1790; md., Dec, 1807, 
Alexander Forsyth; d. Sept. 8, 1857; he d. 
April 4, 1827, aged 39 years. 6 chil. 



Zachariah Norton settled on the western half of 
back-lot No. 28, east side, the first lot in that portion of 
the township upon which improvements were made. Jos- 
eph Rolfe was the earliest settler on this lot, which he 
afterwards sold to Peter West. Mr. Norton purchased of 
him, and took possession in 1794. He continued to reside 
on this farm until about 18 15, when he disposed of il to 
William Parker and removed to Somerset Count}-, wliere 
som€ of his sons had preceded him. He lield the office 
of town treasurer in 1805. He md.. May 22, 177S, Han- 
nah Smith, who was b. June 10, 1758, and d. March 21, 
1823. He d. Oct. 3, 1830. I'Jeven children : — 

I. Francis, b. May 11, 1779; nid., April 28, 1S05 

(pub.), Lydia Norton of New Portland ; d. in 

Aroostook County. 
Dchave, b. Sept. 16, 1780. Was for a time de|nity 

sheriff. Removed from town and died. 
Peter, b. April 26, 17S2. 
Zachariah, b. Oct. 10, 1783; md. Lovell Roach; 

d. June 4, 1828. 



II. 



III. 

IV. 



540 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



49 

50 



51 



52 
53 
54 
55 



(II) 



56 



57 
5« 

59 
60 



61 
62 
63 

(17) 



V. Earl M., b. Jan. 21, 1786. 

VI. Elihii, b. July 3, 1787; nid., Jan. 22, 1818. Aiary 
Fletcher of Augusta, who d. April 6, 1826; 
md. (2), Jan. 10, 1827, Hannah Page of Bath, 
who d. March 15, 1864; d. in Sunbury, 111., 
Sept. 24, 1868. 4 chil. by first marriage, and 
3 by second. 

VII. Zebulon, b. March 5, 1789; md., June 10, 1810 
(pub.), Huldah Pratt; md. (2), Abigail Hart- 
ford. 
VIII. Cornelitis, b. Nov. 25, 1790; d. Dec. 7, 1790. 

IX. Abraha7n Smith, b. April 10, 1793. 
X. Hannah Smith, b. Nov. 26, 1795. 

XI. Abigail Braifierd, b. Aug. 22, 1800 ; md., July 31, 
1825, Thomas Butler; d, April 18, 1872 ; he d. 
April 27, 1862. 



Joseph Norton, seventh son of Peter and Sarah (Bas- 
sett) Norton, came to river-lot No. 30, east side, about 
1 79 1, but soon afterwards purchased the northern half of 
lot 31 adjoining. Upon this he resided until his death, 
which occurred May 20, 18 19. He represented the town 
in the Massachusetts legislature as the colleague of Nathan 
Cutler in i8io. He md. Deborah Smith, who d. Mar., 
1843. Eight children : — 

I. Lydia Bassett, b. Sept. 8, 1775 ; md., Jan. 16, 
1799, Peter, son of Ebenezer Norton, q. v.\ d. 
Nov. 17, 1817. 
II. Folly, b. 1777; d. Aug. 11, 1847 ; unmd. 

III. Mayhew, b. May, 1779; md., July 22, 1808, 

Nancy Willard ; d. Aug. 26, 1845. She d. 
Feb. 21, 1873. 

IV. Betsey, b. 17S4; md., Dec. 23, 1806, John Bailey, 

q. V. ; d. Nov. 9, 1842. 
v. Joseph, b. 1786; md., Sept. i, 1810, Betsey Cum- 

mings, who d. Dec. 10, 1841 ; he md. (2) Sarah 

Smith ; d. Aug. 3, 1865. 
VI. Elijah, b. 1791 ; killed by a falling tree, June 28, 

1804. 
VII. Deborah, b. 1793 ; md., Jan. 9, 1823, Peter, son of 

Ebenezer Norton, q. v.; d. Aug. 17, 1847. 
viii. Sarah, b. Aug. 16, 1795; nid., Feb. 26, 181S, 

Joseph Butler; d. Aug. 11, 1856. 



Elijah Norton, son of Ebenezer, was a native of 
Edgartown, Mass., and preceded his father in his removal 
to the township; After his marriage, Dec. 5, 1793, to 
Margaret Gower, he resided on the farm with his father 
until 1797, when he bought of Asa Cree his improvements 
on back-lot No. 5, east side, and removed thither. Mr. 



GEIVEALUGICAL REGISTER. 



541 



64 

65 

66 
67 
68 



69 
70 

71 

72 

73 
74 

(21) 



75 



Norton assisted in the survey of the town of New Vine- 
yard about 1788, and served this town as one of its select- 
men in 1803-4-5-7-9-10. His wife d. Apr. 2, 1853; he 
d. Oct. 27,]856. Eleven children : — 

I. Robert, b. Oct. 9, 1794; nid., Oct. 9, 1820, Abigail 

Hodgdon ; d. Mar. 13, 1826. 3 chil. 
n. Mary, b. Apr. 23, 1796; md., Jan., 1820, John 
Day; d. Mar. 10, 1837. 10 chil. 

III. Ichabod, b. Dec. 29, 1797 ; d. unmd. in 1829. 

IV. Eiisebia, b. Aug. 5, 1799 ; d. June 27, 1800. 

V. Martha, b. Jan. 16, 1801 ; md., Apr. 16, 1822, 
Hartson Willis, son of Hartson Cony, q. %)., 
who d. Sept. 29, 1826. 3 chil. She md. (2), 
Nov. 27, 1837, John Day ; d. in Carlisle, Mass., 
Oct. 13, 1867. 2 chil. 

VI. Betsey, b. July 24, 1802 ; d. in 185 1 ; unmd. 

VII. Ebenezer, b. Aug. 21, 1805 ; md. Julia Hill and (2) 

Betsey Maltby ; d. in 1863. 
VIII. Sarah, b. Mar. 3, 1807 ; md., Mar. 29, 1836, 
James Moody. Resides in Phillips. 

IX. David, b. Feb. 20, 1809; md. Jane Morrill and 

(2) Eliza McKenney. Resides in Iowa. 
X. George, b. Sept. 16, 1810; md. Filone Hill and (2) 
Barbara Dorrington ; d. Jan. 21, 1880. 

XI. *Elijah, b. Oct. 16, 1812. 



So 



Peter Norton, third son of Ebenezer, first made im- 
provements, in 1794, on a back-lot in the northeast part of 
the town, and lived there until about 1840, when he sold 
to his son Joseph, and went to Edgartown, Mass., where 
lie d., Jan. 28, 1854. He md., Jan. 16, 1799, ^^'•'' cousin, 
Lydia Bassett, dau. of Joseph Norton, q. v., who d. Nov. 
17, 1817; he md. (2), Jan. 9, 1823, her sister, Deborah 
Noiton, who d. Aug. 17, 1847. Ten children: — 

I. Bcnjaviin Franklin, b. July iS, 1800; md., Mar. 

6, 1825, Charity B. Morse; d. Apr. 26, 1863. 

She d. June i, 1878, aged 86 years; s. p. 
Lydia Bassett, b. Feb. i, 1802 ; d. Sept. 28, 1827. 
Deborah Smith, b. Oct. 15, 1803 ; md., Oct. 30, 

1825, John S. Norton, q. v.; d. Mar. 19, 1883. 
Asenath, b. Mar. i, 1805 ; d. July, 1859. 
Ebenezer, b. July 18, 1806; md., Nov., 1831, 

Susan Luce, who d. Jan. 20, 1858; he md. (2) 

Elizabeth Shaw. Resides in New Bedford, 

Mass. 
Elizabeth Smith, b. Feb. 26, 1808; md. John T. 

Cook; md. {2), Mar. 5, 1869, John S. Bursley ; 

d. Mar. 29, 1882. 



76 


II. 


77 


III. 


7S 


IV. 


79 


V. 



VI. 



69 



542 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



82 
83 



(26) 



86 

87 



90 

(42) 



91 
92 

93 
94 

95 
96 

97 
98 

99 
100 



(74) 



VII. * Joseph, b. Feb. 5, 1810. 

VIII. Caroline Smith, b. Nov. 27, 181 1; md. Constant 
Norton ; d. Nov. 16, 1879. 
IX, Sarah Bassett, b. Aug. 19, 18 13; md. Zenas 

Backus. Lives in Mattapoisett, Mass. 
X. Peter Andrew Jackson, b. June 22, 1815 ; md., 
Apr. 4, 1843, Lydia M. Day, who d. Feb. 23, 
1882. He lives in Strong. 5 chil., 2 of whom 
are livins:. 



George W. Norton resided upon the old homestead 
during his life. He was an industrious and successful 
farmer, and was respected as husband, father, brother, and 
friend. He md., Dec. 12, 18 16, Ruth, dau. of Richard 
and Abbie (Rolfe) Rice. She was b. Dec. 13, 1791, and 
d. Feb. 19, 1872. He d. Apr. 27, 1870. Six children : — 

I. * Jeremiah Rice, b. Sept. 19, 18 17. 
II. *Sylvanus Rice, b. Oct. 7, 1823. 

III. George Washington, b. Aug. 6, 1825 ; md., May 

15, 1847, (- hristiana Judkins; d. in Wisconsin, 
Oct., 1859. 

IV. Philinda, b. Aug. 6, 1828; md., May 24, 1854, 

Gideon K. Staples of Temple, 
v. *Richaid Rice, b. Feb. 3, 1833. 

VI. Martha Lorenza, b. Sept. 6, 1835 i '^^*^'-' Fi^b. 12, 
1879, Fifield Luce; s. p. 

James L Norton, son of Ephraim, settled upon the | 
farm now owned by his sons, the Norton brothers, where 
he made his home for life. He md., Dec, 1807, Sarah, 
dau. of Timothy Smith. She d. Aug, 5, 1868, aged 79 
years. His death occurred in 1850. Eleven children, 
all boys : — 

I. * Timothy Smith, b, Aug. 12, 1808. 
II. James Woodard, b. 181 1 ; unmd. 
III. Uiratn, b, Jan. 1, 1813. 

Harrison, h. 1816; unmd. 

Edwin, b. Dec. 18, 18 18, 

Charles, b. 1820; d. 1825. 

Infant son, ) , r, 1 

, ,. ^ ' f- b. 1822 ; d. young, 

Inlant son, \ ■' 

Infant son, b. 1824; d. young. 



IV. 

V. 

VI. 

VII, 

VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 



Infant son, , „ /- , 

, r ^ - b. 1826 ; d. young. 

Infant son, ^ ' .? & 



4 



Elijah Norton resides upon the homestead. He is a 
man of general intelligence and a respected citizen. He 
md., Sept. 29, 1840, Matilda, dau. of Rufus Snuth, q. v. 
Six children : — 







■e-o-u^o^c^ 



T 



JrC-^1^7-^^ 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



543 



I02 

104 



105 

106 
107 
108 

log 

(81) 



no 
III 



1^3 
114 

116 
117 

(85) 



118 
119 



I. Sarah, b. Oct. 24, 1841 ; d. Oct. 2, 1859. 
rr. Lydia, b. July 15, 1843 ; unmd. 
HI. Marette Matilda, b. Apr. 29, 1846; md., Oct. 22, 
1879, Clofus Gonyou. Resides at Martha's 
Vineyard, Mass. 
IV. Emma Maria, b. July 25, 1848; md., May 29, 
1873, Jared Mayhew. Resides at Martha's 
Vinevard. 
V. Love Mayheiv, b. June 5, 1853; md., July 30, 
1879, John C. Ames, i child : 
I. Edith Ames, b. June 15, 18S0. 
vr. Infant, b. June 21, 1856; d. June 21, 1856. 



Joseph Norton resides in the northeast part of the 
town, on the lot first settled by his father, Peter Norton, 
and is an industrious and thrifty farmer. He served the 
town as a selectman in 1853-54. He md., Nov. 8, 1842, 
Miriam Pike, who was b. at Industry, March 23, 18 19, 
Seven children : — 

I. "'^Llewellyn, b. Nov. 8, 1843. 

II. Miranda, b. Oct. 14, 1845 ; md., Nov. 7, 1869, 
Lendall C. Marston. i child : 

I. Elmer Joseph Marston, b. July 13, 1874, 

in. * French Moses, b. Jan. 26, 1846. 

Melvina, b. Oct. 30, 1850; d. June 24, 1857. 
George Washington, b. March 20, 1855 ; md., April 

30, 1885, Eva H. Keyes of Lewiston. 
Charles Bates, b. June 2, 1858 ; md., Feb. 5, 1882, 

Cora L. Thomas. 
Andrew Jackson, b. Dec. 8, 1862. 



IV. 
V. 



VII. 



Jeremiah R. Norton was a resident of Avon for many 
years, where he served as a town officer. When he came 
to Farmington, he settled upon a part of the farm formerly 
owned by his father. He md., March 22, 1841, Keziah 
M. Vining, who d. Sept. 27, 1845 ; he md. (2), May 5, 
1846, Amanda F. Stevens, b. July 18, 1824. Eight chil- 
dren : — ■ 

I. Satnuel Rice, b. Nov. 25, 1842 ; md.. May 10, 1868, 

Mary N. Tripp of Temple. 2 chil. 
II. Keziah Mitchell, b. Sept. 19, 1845; ^- S<-'pt. 3, 
1847. 

Second marriage : 

III. Oliver Stevens, b. Aug. 2, 1850; md., Dec. 20, 
1874, Ella J., dau. of Rev. William Cutting of 
Melville, N. H. Lives in Avon. 



544 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



121 



124 

I2S 



(86) 



126 
127 

12S 

(89) 



129 
130 

(91) 



131 



132 

134 

(95) 



IV. 



VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 



Jeremiah Augustus, b. Sept. 20, 1853; md., April 
28, 1876, Flora E. Hudson of Portland. 

George Washington, b. Aug. 25, 1855. Graduated 
at the Normal School in 1876. 

Alary Keziah, b. July 7, 1857 ; d. Sept. 27, 1859. 

Ruth Amanda, b. Nov. 5, 1859. 

James Stevens, b. Oct. 7, 1865. Graduated at the 
Normal School in 1884. 



Sylvanus R. Norton, second son of George W. 
Norton, resides upon the farm formerly owned by his 
uncle, Samuel B. Norton, and ranks among the model 
farmers. He md., Sept. 25, i860, Mary Cutler, dau. of 
Edward Butler, q. v. Three children : — 

I. Everett Blanchard, b. June 8, 186 1. 
II. Isabella Butler, b. May 8, 1863. 
III. Helen Butler, b. May 10, 1868; d. Jan. 29, 1869. 

Richard R. Norton lives upon a part of the home- 
stead, and is among the substantial farmers of the town. 
His children are the fourth generation that have occupied 
the same house. Mr. Norton md., April 13, 1876, Emily 
A., dau. of John T. Taylor, b. in Vassalboro', Aug, 10, 
1 841. Two children : — 

I. Harry Taylor, b, Sept. 12, 1877. 
II. Ralph Perkins, b. Aug. 11, 1881. 



Timothy Smith Norton is by occupation a farmer, 
and first settled on the Ebenezer Norton fari"B in the east 
part of the town. He subsequently purchased the farm 
formerly owned by his grandfather, Ephraim Norton, 
where he now resides. He md., April 11, 1833 (pub.), 
Susan Eliza, dau. of John and Susanna (Cony) Brooks of 
Augusta. He md. [2), Sarah H. Hobbs. Four chil- 
dren : — 

I. * James Smith Brooks, b. May 3, 1834. 

Second marriage : 

II. Mary Smith, b. July 15, 1847 ; md., July 18, 1869, 

Joseph H. Perhain, q. v. 
in. Georgiana, b. July 25, 1849. 
IV. Alma Clarke, b. Oct. 12, 1862. 



Edwin Norton, youngest son of James I. Norton, was 
a native of Farmington, where a greater part of his life 
was spent. For many j'ears he made his home upon the 
farm formerly owned by his grandfather, Ephraim Norton. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



545 



In 1S64 he removed to Boston, where his death occurred 
Dec. 24, i88o. He was a man of honest purpose and true 
gentlemanly feeling, and devoted his life and means to the 
education and comfort of his family. He md., March g, 
1841, Amanda Elizabeth, dau. of Rev. John Allen, q. v. 
Six children : — 

I. Imogene Allen, b. Sept. 25, 1842 ; md., March 22, 
1864, Emilio del Castillo. Their children are : 
Edwin Norton, Lola Juanita. 
II. Annah lone, b. Dec. 6, 1845 5 ^aA., Jan. 13, 1870, 
George A. Walker of Boston. Their children 
are : Grace Antoinette and Philip Hersey. 

III, Annie Bartlett, b. Nov. 18, 1848; md., Sept. 16, 

1872, William F. Baldwin of Boston. Their 
children are : Edward Arthur, Robert South- 
wick, Lillian. 

IV. Wilhelmina Kossuth, b. July 19, 1851 ; d. Nov. 24, 

1869. 
V. Lillian Bayard, b. Nov. 24, 1853 ; d. April 28, 

1856. 
VI. Lillian, b. Dec. 12, 1857; md., Jan. 22, 1883, at 
Paris, France, Frederic Allen, son of Rev. 
Harrison B. Gower, q. ^■:£)}l a^Ui^^ JUyi.cUf'^- 



Llewellyn Norton, son of Joseph, is a thriving farmer 
residing in the northeastern part of the town. He owns 
the farm so long owned and occupied by his uncle, Benj- 
amin F. Norton. He md., Nov. 19, 1868, Fidelia Angeline 
Norton, b. in Industry, Oct. 9, 1847. Two children : — 

I. Mary Etta, b. Nov. 4, 1869. 
n. Anna Sands, b. Aug. 28, 1879. 



French M. Norton, second son of Joseph and Miriam 
(Pike) Norton, is a resident of his native town, where he 
formerly was engaged in the provision business. He md., 
Feb. 26, 1880, Ella F. Wood of Wilton, b. Nov. i, 185 1. 
Two children : — 

I. Joseph French, b. June 22, 1881. 
n. Floretice Mabel, b. Dec. 4, 1882. 



James S. B. Norton resides on the Timothy Smith 
farm, so-called. He ind., March 20, 1863, Morgiana Allen 
Peterson, b. Dec. 8, 1840. Five children : — 

1. Einilio Castillo, b. Oct. 27, 1863; d. Oct. 20, 

1864. 
II. Avelino Castillo, b. Nov. 30, 1866. 



546 

147 

148 
149 



4 

5 

(5) 



(6) 



lO 

II 

12 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

III. Florence Hallie^ b. April 26, 1870; d. Aug. 14, 

1872. 

IV. Maud Florence, ) , , 1 o 

V. MilUe Florence, S'"'-^'-'^'^'^^ ^^74- 



Stephen Norton is not known to be related to the 
preceding family. He was a native of Martha's Vineyard, 
however, and may have been a descendant from Nicholas 
Norton, through his grandson John. He was a tailor by 
trade, and came to the settlement prior to 1792. He 
purchased of Elzekiel Webber front-lot No. 12, west side, 
where he resided until about 18 10, when he sold to Tim- 
othy and Thomas Johnson, and removed to Norway to 
spend his last days. His wife was Lydia Smith. Four 
children : — 

I. Lydia, b. July 18, 1792 ; md. Samuel B. Adams of 

Wilton; d. about 1845. 
II. Hannah, b. Nov. 14, 1793; md. Flavel Bartlett ; 

d. in Auburn. 

III. Stephen, b. March 15, 1797. 

IV. *John Stephen, b. July 12, 1799. 



John S. Norton has been a farmer in the northeast 
part of the town, and an acceptable local preacher. He 
now resides at Backus Corner. He md., Oct. 30, 1825, 
Deborah Smith, dau. of Peter Norton, q. v., who d. March 
19, 1883. Two children : — 

I. *Peter Eben, b. June 22, 1827. 

II. Lydia Caroline, b. Dec. 6, 1830; md., Nov. 17, 
1856 (pub.), Lewis C. Johnson. Resides in 
Augusta. 2 chil. 



Peter E. Norton succeeded to the homestead, to 
which he made large additions by purchase. He is a man 
of scholarly attainments, and has served as a member ot 
the S. S. Committee for many years. As a local Methodist 
preacher, he is characterized by earnest piety. His present 
residence is Stark. He md., June 9, 1853, Anna Johnson, 
who was b. in Vienna, June 9, 1831, and d. Nov. 9, 1881 ; 
md. (2), June 22, 1882, Cynthia N. Wyman, b. in Flagstaff, 
Feb. 5, 1841. Nine children: — 

I. Dora Miriam, b. April 21, 1854. 
II. Joh^i Franklin, b. March 26, 1856; md,, Aug. 19, 
1883, Nellie Spaulding. i child. 

III. Lf award Peter, b. June 28, 1858. 

IV. Leivis Johnson, b. Jan. i, 1861. 

V. Mary Ellen, b. July 8, 1862 ; md. Dr. Lauren 
Lindenberger of Troy, Ohio. 





^^^t^>-^ ,£3^-/ 



^^2^/^ 



i 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



S47 



^3 

15 
16 



VI. 
VII. 



VIII. 
IX. 



Lyon Levi, b. Jan. 29, 1865. 
George Webber, b. Feb. 4, 1868 

1868. 
George Wifigate, b. Sept. 6, 1869. 
Stephen Alien, b. Feb. 13, 187 1. 



d. April 19, 



Various persons bearing the name of Parker were residents of 
Chelmsford, Mass., and vicinity as early as 1652, and the name is 
common in early New England records. The immediate ancestry of the 
Parkers who came to Farmington has not been traced. No relationship 
is known to exist between Elvaton Parker, Peter Parker, and William 
Parker who settled in the east part of the town. 



Elvaton Parker was from Edgartown, Mass., where 
he married, Mar. i, 177 1, Mary Beetle. He removed to 
the township in 1793, and followed the trade of a house- 
carpenter. He was much esteemed for his moral worth. 
He was b. in Yarmouth, Mass., Nov. 21, 1749, O. S. ; d. 
Oct. 20, 1797. His wife, who was b. in Edgartown, 
Mass., June 17, 1750, O. S., d. June 5, 1796. Six chil- 
dren, natives of Edgartown, Mass. : — 

I. Polly, b. May 26, 1772; md., Jan. i, 1807, Solo- 
mon Butler; d. Oct. 22, 1836. He d. Jan. 30, 

1833- 
II. LLannah, b. Apr. 30, 1775; md., Aug. 28, 1798, 
Micah Weathern, q. v.; d. Dec. 30, 1872. 

III. Betsey, b. Feb. 13, 1779; nid., Nov. 20, 1798, 

Ward Spooner ; d. May 23, 1845. He d. July 
30, 1872, aged 95 years. 

IV. * Thomas, b. Nov. 12, 1783. 

V. Cynthia Beetle, b. Jan. 25, 1786; d. Jan. 14, 1800. 
VI. Clarissa, b. Dec. 28, 1788; md., Dec. 20, 1810, 
Ebenezer B. Wellman ; d. Aug. 3, 1822. He 
d. Aug. 2, 1850. 



(5) 



ThoiMA-S Parker, only son of Elvaton Parker, when ten 
years of age came with his father from Massachusetts to 
Maine. He learned the trade of a mason, which he ]3ur- 
sued until he was called to fill various positions in public 
life. For twelve years he was a selectman of the town, 
and for eight years its clerk. In 1838 Gov. Kent appoint- 
ed Mr. Parker Judge of Probate, in which oihce he contin- 
ued to act for seven consecutive years. He also served 
as county commissioner tor three years. Before the 
organization of Franklin County, Judge Parker had an 
extensive business in Probate Court, made necessary by 
the estates confided to his charge for settlement ; and, 



548 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



I after he ceased to act as Judge of Probate, his business as 
administrator, executor, and trustee engrossed his whole 
time and attention. He acquired by industry and frugality 
an ample fortune, and was in his way a very liberal man, 
one of his donations being live thousand dollars to Bates 
College in Lewiston. Judge Parker possessed great purity 
and simplicity of character, and was respected for his 
stern Puritan principles. He was a friend to those who 
sought his counsel and advice, and was beloved by all 
classes of citizens. In 1846 he published a brief History 
of Farmington, and rescued from oblivion many facts and 
incidents which otherwise would not have been preserved. 
The author of this work acknowledges his indebtedness to 
Judge Parker's History for much valuable material. 

Judge Parker md., Jan. 22, 1807, Judith, dau. of Ezra 
Thomas, q. v., who d. June 22, 1855. He d. Feb. 4, i860. 
One child : — 



I. Thomas, b. May 14, i< 
unmd. 



; d. Oct. 14, 1851 ; 



Peter Parker is not known to be a relative of the 
preceding. He was the son of Peter and Mary (Butter- 
field) Parker, and in 1788 came from Dunstable, Mass., to 
the township with his stepfather, John F. Woods, with 
whom he lived until his majority. Two sisters also accom- 
panied him, Mary, who married Francis Tutts, Jr., q. v., 
and Prudence, who married John Tufts. Mr. Parker 
purchased of Benjamin Luce a portion of the farm in 
the southwestern part of the town owned by Benjamin 
Lowell and others, where he erected buildings and made 
a home. He md., Nov. 4, 1799 (pub.), Sally, dau. of 
Joseph Bradford, q. v. His death occuired in 1842 at 
Sunbury, Ohio. Six children : — 

I. Sally, b. Oct. 11, 1800; md., Dec. 4, 181 7, 
'i'homas, son of Thomas Hiscock, q. v.; d. 
Feb. 25, 1826. 
II. Peter, b. Aug. 28, 1803 ; removed to the State of 

Ohio. 
III. Alary Butterjield, b. I-eb. 5, 180G; md., Mar. g, 
1830, Francis Tufts, 3d, q. v. 

5 IV. John, b. Mar. 29, 1810. 

6 V. Asa Ltbby, b. July 14, 1S18. 
VI. Julia Ann, b. Feb. 3, 1821. 



John I'erham, the ancestor of the Perhams of New England, was an 
early immigrant who settled in Chelmsford, AJass. He married, in 1604, 
Lydia Shepley, and had three sons and four daughters. The eldest son, 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



549 



John, Jr., was born in 1667, and married Lydia Fletcher. Among their 
seven children was a son, born in 1695, who was named for his father 
and grandfather. He settled in Littleton, Mass. His wife was Experi- 
ence Powers, and to them were born six children. 

Lemuel Perham, fourth son of John and Experience 
(Powers) Perham, was born at or near Dunstable, Mass., 
in 1727. We find him an officer of the First Parish in 
1767. His name is appended to the pledge signed by the 
patriotic citizens of Dunstable to defend their country's 
liberties, March i, 1775.* He was elected one of the 
committee of safety after the hostilities began, and was a 
member of the alarm-list commanded by Capt. Leonard 
Butlerfield. It is certain that he served in the army some 
length of time, for we find his name among others as one 
to whom the Parish of Dunstable voted to pay nine pounds 
" for six months' service att Rhode Island in the year 

i777-"t 

Mr. Perham came into the Sandy River township with 
his family in company with Oliver Bailey, Eliphalet Bailey, 
and John F. Woods, in the spring of 1788. He made a 
settlement on the farm which his son Silas had taken up 
the year before, back-lot No. 24, east side, where he died 
about the year 1795. Mr. Perham was twice married. 
The name of his first wife is not known ; his second wife 
was Mary Butterfield, widow of John French. Mrs. Perham 
by her first marriage had four children : William French, 
b. July 2, 1752, d. 1842 ; Mary French, b. Mar. 21, 1754; 
John French, b. Oct. 25, 1755 ; Jonas French, b. Aug. 17, 
1757, d. 1840. He IS the ancestor of Col. Jonas PI. 
French of Boston. These sons were among the fifty sons 
of Dunstable who participated in the battle of Bunker 
Hill. Mr. Perham had seven children, born in Dun- 
stable : — 

I. Jo/in, b. about 1757. Was on board a privateer 
in the Revolution, and was taken prisoner and 
carried to New Brunswick. He escaped and 
returned to Dunstable, but soon died from 
consumption, aged 19 years. 

Second marriage : 

II. Rebecca, b. Feb. 23, 1760; md. Eliphalet Bailey, 

q. V. ; d. 1806. 
in. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 8, 1762 ; md., in 1783, Jeremiah 
Fletcher of Wilton; d. May 31, 1839. He d. 
Oct. 14, 1839. 12 chil. 



* See biographical sketch of Jesse Lutterfield 
1 History of Dunstable, p. 132. 



70 



550 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(5) 



II 

12 



IV. * Lemuel, b. Oct. 7, 1764. 
V. * Silas, b. Feb. 10, 1770. 

Rachel, b. Aug. 17, 1771 ; md., Oct. i, 1795, Asa 
Cree ; d. in Waterville about 1818. Mr. Cree 
was b. in Topsfield, Mass., Feb. 5, 1753. i 
child. 
Josiah, b. May i, 1773; md., Apr. i, 1802, Fliza- 
beth, dau. of Silas Gould, q. v. He settled in 
Wilton, and d. Julv 6, 1S49 ; she d. June 19, 
1861. 



VI. 



VII 



Lemuel Perham, Jr., came into the country with his 
father as a young man. Having acquired a better educa- 
tion than most of the early settlers, and possessing schol- 
arly tastes, he opened a school the first winter after coming 
into the township, and for about thirty years directed the 
young ideas of the rising generation. He was a superior 
mathematician, and, being a skilled practical land-survey- 
or, his services were in frequent requisition during the 
settlement of the country. When William IJingham made 
his Kennebec purchase, Mr. Perham was selected to sur- 
vey many of the townships, and it has been commonly 
understood that he ran the west line of the tract, a most 
arduous undertaking, since the line runs over Mts. Abra- 
ham, Sugar-loaf, and Bigelovv His assistants in this 
survey were his brother Silas Perham, Abraham Page, 
Micah Weathern, and Peter Norton. 

Among his other gifts, Mr. Perham was a fine musician 
and an amateur poet of local fame. He taught singing- 
schools from time to time, and led the music on public 
occasions. His vocation, however, like that of all the 
early settlers, was farming. He first made a home on the 
lot adjoining his father's ; but when failing powers com- 
pelled his father-in-law, Moses Starling, to abandon active 
life, Mr. Perham moved to the west side of the river, and 
took the north part of the Starling farm. Here he passed 
the remainder of his life, and d. Feb. 28. 1841. He was a 
man of irreproachable character, and universally respected. 
He md., June 22, 1795, F.lizabeth, dau. of Moses Starling, 
q. V. Nine children : — 

I. Lemuel, yl, b. March 2, 1796; md.. July i, 1823, 
Mary Ann, dau. of Dr. Aaron Stoyell, q.v.; d. 
Oct. 25, 1826. He was educated at Farm- 
ington Academy, and became :i civil-engineer. 

II. Abigail Starling, b. Dec. 17, 1797; d. Sept. 3, 
1804. 

iir. Mary, b. Sept. 15, 1799; d. Aug. 26, 1804. 

IV. Moses Starling, b. Aug. 22, 1801 ; d. Aug. 31, 
1804. 



GEJVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



551 



13 



VI. 



VII. 



VIII. 



IX. 



Joseph, b. Jan. 6, 1804. He was educated at 
Farmington Academy, studied medicine, grad- 
uating at Bovvdoin Medical School in 1827, 
and opened practice in Missouri. Later be- 
came a druggist in Anoka, Minn., where he 
now resides. Unnid. 

Benjamin Franklin, b. Jan. 15, 1806; md. Caro- 
line A. Bryant; d. about 1837. He was edu- 
cated at Farmington Academy, and adopted 
the profession of civil-engineer, and gave prom- 
ise of distinction in his calling. He assisted 
in building the dry dock at Charlestown, Mass., 
and that at Gosport, Va. 2 chil, who live in 
Georgia. 

Eliza,, b. Sept. 13, 1808; unmd. Resides at West 
Farmington. 

Moses, b. Dec. 17, 1810; unmd. He is a respect- 
ed citizen of West Farmington. 

Narcissa, b. Nov., 1813 ; d. Nov., 1813. 



Silas Perham came to the Sandy River township when 
a lad of seventeen, in the spring of 1787, and took up 
back-lot No. 24, east side. Here he made a clearing, 
planted crops and harvested them, returning to Dunstabfe 
in the fall. He came with his father the following spring 
to make a permanent settlement, and found on the farm 
to which he had given his boyhood's labors a home for 
life. Mr. Perham was a carpenter by trade, and a man of 
most powerful physique and capable of a vast amount of 
labor. He was connected with the militia, and at one 
tune commanded the North Company of Infantry. He 
md., May i, 1806 (pub.), Hannah, dau. of Eliphalet Jen- 
nings, q. V. ■ d. July 9, 1844. Two children :— 

I. Jo/in French, b. April 11, 1808; md., June 30, 
1828, Eunice Sweatland ; d. in California, Aug. 
10, 1879; she d. April 10, 1849. He first 
lived in Farmington, but removed to California 
about 1850. 6 chil. 
11. * Silas Decatur, b. Aug. 6, 18 15. 

Silas D. Perham resides on the homestead farm. He 
was connected with the militia, and at one time command- 
ed a company of cavalry. He md., Feb. 2, 1837, Mary 
Ann Hobbs; she d. May 13, 1874. He md. (2), Dec. 14, 
1879, Mrs. Electa S. Lowell of Concord. Five children :— 

Hannah, b. Jan. 20, 1838. 

"^Joseph Hobbs, b. Oct. 17, 1842. 

Georgia?ia, b. July 22, 1845 ; ^- i847- 

Silas Alvarus, b. May 10, 1848; d. July 11, 1848. 

Silas French, b. July 11, 1850. 



I. 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

v. 



552 

(21) 
25 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Joseph H. Perham is a farmer living upon the Richard 
Rice farm. He md., July i8, 1869, Mary Smith, dau. of 
Timothy S. Norton, q. v. One child : — 

I. Archie Smithy b. June 17, 1874. 



Edmund Perkins emigrated from England before 1677, at which time 
he married Mrs. Susanna Hewlett. She was born in Boston, Dec. 15, 
1645, and was the daughter of Erancis Hudson, late of Chatham, 
England, and his wife Mary. Edmund Perkins settled in Boston, and 
lived in a house near what is now the foot of Hanover St. His death 
occurred about 1693, the inventory of his estate, which was considerable, 
being presented to Court Jan. 29, 1693-4. Of his three sons, Edmund, 
the youngest, was born Sept. 6, 1683, and died about 1761. William, the 
son of Edmund and Mary (Farris) Perkins, was a resident of Boston. 
He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Palfrey, and their eldest 
child, William, born in 1742, was lieutenant of artillery at Bunker Hill, 
and also major in the Massachusetts regiment of artillery in the Revolu- 
tionary War. He married Abigail Cox, and died in 1802, leaving four 
sons and three daughters. Of these Lafayette Perkins was the youngest. 



Lafayette Perkins {vide page 282) was born at Castle 
William in Boston Harbor, of which his father was then 
commandant, Mar. 26, 1786. He md., Dec. 30, 18 17, 
Dorcas, dau. of Benjamin and Phebe (Abbot) Abbot, and 
granddaughter of Jacob and Lydia (Stevens) Abbot. She 
was b. in Greenfield, N. H., Feb. 25, 1797. Dr. Perkins 
d. May 9, 1874. Six children : — 

I. Charles James, b. Oct. 19, 1818. Graduated at 
Bowdoin College in 1839 ; attended Jefferson 
College in Philadelphia, Penn. ; and went to 
Upperville, Virginia, to practice dentistry, 
where he d. of apoplexy, Feb. 12, 1843 ; unmd. 
II. John Warren {vide page 303), b. Mar. 17, 1820; 
md., June 17, 1845, Margaret More, dau. of 
Thomas Hunter, q. v.\ md. (2), Oct. 29, 1861, 
Eliza Bellows of Lancaster, N. H, He is a 
wholesale druggist in Portland. 5 chil. by first 
and 2 by second marriage. 

III. Emeline Weld, b. Feb. 24, 1822; d. of consump- 

tion Nov. 22, 1858; unmd. 

IV. Benjamin Abbott, b. Oct. 26, 1823 ; md., May 9, 

1849, Augusta Bellows of Freedom, who d. 
May 31, 1850; md. (2), Sept. 23, i860, Sarah 
W. Beals of Portland, i son by each marriage. 
Resides in Portland. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



553 



V. George Augustus, b. June 24, 1827 ; graduated at 
Ijowdoin College in 1849. After a three years' 
course at the Bangor Theological Seminary, he 
went to Turkey, in July, 1854, as a foreign 
missionary. After several years he returned 
to this country, but in 1863 went back as a 
professor in Robert College, Constantinople. 
His health failing, he again returned to this 
country, and was at one time connected with a 
family school at Gorham, but is now pastor at 
Harvard, Mass. He md., July 17, 1854, Sarah 
P>., dau. of Oliver and Hannah (Rider) Farring- 
ton of Brewer. 3 chil. 

^\. Samuel Edward, b. Nov. 7, 1830; md., Nov. 22, 
1855, Alice T. Kendrick of Bangor. 



potter* 

Richard Porter, the immigrant ancestor of the Porters of America, 
came from Weymouth, 'England, in 1635, and settled at what is now 
Weymouth, Mass. His eldest son, John, was one of the most enterpris- 
ing men of his time, and owned large tracts of land about Weymouth. 
He married, Feb. 9, 1660, Deliverance Byram, by whom he had nine 
children. Ebenezer, their eighth child, was a lieutenant in the militia, 
and married, Dec. 3, 1707, Sarah Humphrey. The third son of Ebenezer 
and Sarah (Humphrey) Porter, Ebenezer Porter, Jr., married, Dec. 17, 
1730, Mary Lovell, and died in 1763. Ebenezer Porter, 3d, was born in 
Weymoiith, Dec. 7, 1733, and married Tabitha Pratt in 1754. He died 
young, and his widow married as a second husband Dea. Jonathan 
Collier of Hull, by whom she had several children, one of whom was 
Gershom Collier, who settled on Porter's Hill in Farmington. 



EzEKiEL Porter, the fifth child of Ebenezer and Tabi- 
tha (Pratt) Porter, was born in Weymouth, Mass., Nov. 
10, 1762. He served in the Revolutionary army, and 
after the close of the war married, in 1784, Betsey, daugh- 
j ter of Asahel and Rebecca Wyman of Groton. After 
I residing a short time in Groton, he removed to that part of 
Hallowell now Augusta, probably m the year 1786. Here 
he engaged in mercantile pursuits, in which he was unsuc- 
cessful. He became connected with the North Company 
of Militia, and was elected its captain, Apr. 12, 1787. In 
1790 he removed to Farmington, and settled upon lot No. 
17 on the west side of the river, upon the hill named from 
its first settler Porter's Hill. He at once took a foremost 
place in the town. His enterprise, intelligence, and in- 
dustry made him for many years among the most promi- 
nent of the citizens. His farm was large and productive 
under the cultivation he gave it. Paul Cofifin, the mission- 



554 



HISTORY OF FARM/NGTON. 



ary, speaks of Mr. Porter several times in his Journal. 
Writing under date of July lo, 1796, he says: "One 
Porter, a major, a resident of only six years, cuts one 
hundred tons of hay." Again, on Sept. 15, 1800, he 
makes this entry : " Lodged on my return at Col. Ezekiel 
Porter's, one and one-half niiles from Peter Gay's. Porter 
had about fifty acres of corn, fifty black cattle, a large 
house, three barns, shed, etc. He lives on 'The Hill,' a 
sightly place. His wife in his absence treated me well." 
Mr. Porter probably carried on the business of farming on 
a larger scale than had ever been attempted by any one in 
this section of the State. Upon one occasion, before 
dismissing the Regiment of which he was colonel, he 
invited the men to a husking and barbecue at his house. 
The men largely responded to the invitation. An ox was 
killed and roasted, and fifty acres of corn husked in the 
field. In 1803 Mr. Porter began the business of retailing 
goods, first at his own house and afterwards at West 
Farmington on the spot where the railroad depot now 
stands. Upon the organization of the militia, he was 
chosen captain, and soon after was promoted to the com- 
mand of the regiment. Col. Porter was active in the move- 
ment for securing the incorporation of the township. He 
served on the committee of incorporation, and will always 
be especially remembered from the fact that he gave the 
town the name of Farmington. His interest was strong in 
all that concerned the well-being of the place. The town 
books bear this record, written in a large hand : ," A gift 
received. Col. Ezekiel Porter gave for the use of Farm- 
ington for the more decent interment of the dead in this 
town, three yards of black broadcloth to be used as a 
Fall. Given July ye nth, 1805. Valued at $18.00." 

He served the town as one of its first board of select- 
men, and was chosen to this office again in 1795-98-99, 
and 1800. In 1799 and 1805 he represented the town at 
General Court, and was also town treasurer in 1806, and a 
member of the first board of trustees of Farmington 
Academy. 

In 1813 Col. Porter left the place. A petition is filed 
at the Probate Court of Kennebec Co., signed by his wife, 
Betsey Porter, and Jeremy W. Porter his son, stating that 
their husband and father had been absent two years and 
eleven months, and praying for the right to administer 
upon his estate. It was understood that he went to 
Clarkestown, Rockland Co., New York, where he lived a 
number of years, and where he died. Mrs. Porter d. at 
Strong, Oct. 23, 1848, aged 85 years. Eleven children : — 

I. Sukey, b. in Groton, May 4, 1785 ; md., March 7, 
1808 (pub.), Ezekiel Pierce ; d. 1865. 8 chil. 



II 

12 



(5) 



13 
IS 

i6 

17 
18 

19 
20 
21 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 555 

II. Alexander, b. in Hallowell, Oct. 10, 1787 ; nid., 
Dec, 1852, Hannah J. W. Bray. Early settled 
in New Vineyard, and d. Nov." i, 1853 ; s. p. 

III. Thirza, b. in Hallowell, June i, 1789; md., July 

24, 1806 (pub.), Dr. John Cottle ; d. Feb. 7, 
1865. 6 chil. Removed to Mainville, O., in 
1818. 

IV. *Ezekiel, b. July 4, 1791. 

V. Jeremy Wy/nan, b. Oct. 13, 1792. Was a physi- 
cian, and d. in Indiana in 1818 ; unmd. 
VI. Mary, b. July 26, 1794; md., June 18, 1832, 

Joseph Holley, g. v. ; d. July 27, 1875. 
VII. Suviah, b. March 14, 1797; md. James Lunt ; d. 

in 1855. 4 chil. 
VIII. Ebenezer, b. Feb. 25, 1800; d. young, of lock- 
jaw. 
IX. Asahel, b. May 5, 1802 ; d. in Warren, Ohio, about 

1834. 
X. EUphaz, d. at the age of one year. 
XI. Eliza, b. June 12, 1807 ; md. in Strong, March, 
1836, Zebediah Sweet; d. in New Vineyard,' 
June 12, 1881. 4 chil. 



EzEKiEL Porter, although a native of Farmington, spent 
the greater part of his life in Strong. He settled upon the 
farm now (1885) owned by Caleb Butterfield, and became 
one of the largest farmers on the river, always working 
I industriously and upon an extensive scale. About 1823 
he disposed of his farm, and purchased the mills situated 
at Strong village, which he operated many years and sub- 
sequently sold to his son, Alexander P. Porter. Mr. 
Porter was a prominent citizen of Strong, being among its 
highest tax-payers for many years, and honored by his 
townsmen with many positions of trust. He md., Feb., 
1817, Eunice Hiscock of Strong, b. May 14, 1797, and d.' 
Nov. 12, 1857. He d. Nov. 30, 1867. Nine children:—' 

I. Thirza Cottle, b. April 17, 1819; md., March 30, 

1843, Lemuel Crosby of Phillips. 2 chil. 
It. * Jeremy Wyman, b. Nov. 9, 1820. 

III. Einiice Hiscock, b. April 8, 1823 ; md., Dec. 20, 

1848, Dr. Edmund Russell, who d.' Dec. 20' 
1880, aged 56 years. Resides in Lewiston. 

IV. * Alexander Porter, b. March 6, 1825. 
V. *Elias Hiscock, b. Jan. 20, 1827. 

VI. Augusta Jane, b. Oct. 7, 1829: d. Aug. 23, 1830. 
VH. Augusta Jane, b. June 11, 1831 ; d. April 11, 1832. 
VIII. Ezekiel, b. Sept. i, 1833; d. Sept. 20, 1835. 
IX. Sarah Montgomery, b. July 21, 1836; md., April 
2, 1S57, Albert Daggett of Strong. 3 chil : 



556 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



23 

24 

(14) 



25 



1. Willie Daggett, b. Dec. 17, 1869; d. 

Aug. 26, 1870. 

2. Infant daughter, b. and d. June 23, 1872. 

3. Minnie Warren Daggett, b. Aug. 31, 

1873; d. Sept. 4, 1873. 



Jeremy W. Porter was educated at Farmington Acad- 
emy, and early in life became a school-teacher of some 
prominence. In September, 1843, he embarked in trade 
at his native village, and did a prosperous and lucrative 
business for thirty years. He then erected, at large cost, 
a mill for the manufacture of excelsior, clothespins, etc., 
which is now in successful operation. The estimation in 
which Mr. Porter has been held by his fellow-citizens may 
be inferred from the responsible public positions in which 
he has been called to act. He represented the Strong 
district in the legislature of 1855, and the County in the 
senate of 1859-60; was a member of Gov. Cony's council 
in 1866; served as trustee of the State Reform School 
from Jan., 1867, to Jan., 1879, and as its treasurer for two 
years; and was elected commissioner for Franklin County 
in 1879. He was one of the projectors of the Sandy 
River Railroad, and took an active interest in its con- 
struction. Upon the preliminary organization of the 
company he was chosen a member of the board of direc- 
tors. He md., Dec. 2, 1845, Rachel A., dau. of James and 
Rachel (Dodge) Hunter, who was b. Jan. 9, 1827. Four 
children : — 

I. James Ezckiel, b. Jan. 12, 1847. ^^ ^"^^ '^^^ ^''^^ 
candidate in New England, and the second in 
the United States, to enter West Point by a 
competitive examination. He graduated from 
that institution in June, 1869, and entered the 
regular army as first lieutenant of Co. C, 7th U. 
S. Cavalry. This regiment, under Gen. Custer 
and Gen. Reno, was engaged in the war with 
the Sioux Indians in 1876. June 25th of that 
year. Gen. Custer, with his division, of which 
Lieut. Porter was a member, encountered the 
savages on the left bank of the Little Horn 
River in Dakota. Very little is known of the 
desperate struggle which followed, for Gen. 
Custer and every man under his command fell 
in the fight. (261 men in all.) "The conflict 
equaled, if it did not surpass, in desperation 
and disaster, any other Indian battle ever 
fought in America." "i'he Grand Army Post 
in Weld has been named J. E. Porter Post, as 
a token of respect to the memory of the valiant 
lieutenant, whose tragic death, together with 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



557 



26 



27 
28 

(16) 



29 
30 
31 

(17) 



32 

33 
34 



It. 



III. 

IV. 



that of his brave companions in arms, shroud- 
ed the country in gloom. Lieut. Porter md., 
Aug. I, 1869, EHza F. Wescott. 2 chil. 

Arthur Jeremy, b. Mar. 24, 1850; nid., Oct. 11, 
1870, NelUe Fiske of Readfield. He is con- 
nected with his father in the manufacturing 
business. 4 chil. 

Charles Stevens, ^ i a ^ q( 

George Stetson, ) ' f • "^j 3* 



Alexander P. Porter, brother of the preceding, was 
principally engaged in operating mills and machinery in 
his native town. An active business man and a prominent 
citizen, his death, which occurred Jan. 28, 1876, was a 
great loss to the business community in which he lived. 
He md., Apr. 29, 1866, Emily S. Gould of New Portland, 
b. Feb. 15, 1838. Three children : — 



I. Mary Emma, b. May 25, 1867. 
11. Gould Alexander, b. May 10, 1869. 
III. Aellie Efnery, b. May 31, 1873. 



Elias H. Porter succeeded to the homestead, and 
gives his attention to farming in connection with some 
outside business. He md., Jan. 17, 1850, Louisa M. 
Richards, who d. Oct. 20, i860; md. (2), Apr. 2, 1870, 
Amanda A. Thomas of Durham, Three children : — 

I. Frances Cynthia, b. Nov. 17, 185 1; md., Jan. i, 
1875, George P. Thomas; d. Jan. 20, 1880. 2 
chil. 
II, George Plummer, b. Sept. 10, 1856; d. Aug. 15, 
1857- 
Second marriage : 

III. Aland Louisa, b. Apr. 7, 1879. 



Two Prescotts emigrated to America in the seventeenth century, and 
are the ancestors of all bearing that name in this country. John settled 
in Massachusetts, and is the progenitor of Gen. Prescott and William H. 
Prescott the historian. His second cousin James came from Dryby, 
Lincolnshire, England, to Hampton, N. H., in 1665. James Prescott 
was a lineal descendant of Edward I., King of England, through the 
house of Arundel. From him all the Farmington Prescotts trace their 
pedigree, all having a common ancestor in his grandson Jedidiah, who 
was the ninth child of his son John and Abigail (Marston) Prescott. 
Jedidiah Prescott was born ]\\\\it i, 1719, and married, May 12, 1742, 
Hannah Batchelder. He removed to Monmouth, Me., where he died. 



71 



558 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



July 24, 1793. Jedidiah Prescott, Jr., his third son, was the father of 
Dr. Josiah Prescott and the grandfather of Joseph D. Prescott. Jesse, 
ninth child of Jedidiah and Hannah Prescott, settled in New Sharon, 
and was the grandfather of Jairus L. Prescott. 



2 
3 
4 

5 
6 

(2) 



(3) 



9 
10 



JosiAH Prescott (z//^^ page 281) was the eighih child 
of Jedediah Prescott, Jr., and Sarah Morrill. He was b. 
at Winthrop, Sept. 2, 1785, and md., Nov. 24, 1812, Mary, 
dau, of Josiah French of Winthrop, who was b. at Dun- 
stable, Mass., Jan. 17, 1787 ; d. May 7, 1870. Dr. Prescott 
d. Oct. 5, 1864. Five children : — 

I. *£rasfniis Darwifi, b. Nov. 19, 1814. 
II. * Josiah French, b. Dec. 14, 18 16. 

III. Louisa, b. Mar. 12, 1821; nid., Oct. 29, 1846, 

Simeon H, Lowell, q. v. 

IV. Mary Stewart, b. Oct. i, 1825 ; md., June i, 1856, 

Thomas Clark, b. July 21, 1824. 
V. Sarah Higgins, b. May 16, 1833; md., Jan. 21, 
1S58, Andrew C. Flint, who was b. Nov. 12, 
1828, and d. Jan. 17, 1882. 

Erasmus D. Prescott resides in Phillips. He md., 
May I, 1838, Rosilla H., dau. of Joseph and Abigail 
(Richmond) Dow, who was b. in Winthrop, Oct. 3, 1816. 
Two children : — 

I. E(m>i?i Augustus, b. May 16, 1842. He enlisted 
for three years as a private in Co. K, 9th Reg. 
Me. Vols., and was mustered into the United 
States service Sept. 21, 1861. This regiment 
became very much reduced in numbers by 
reason of hard service and climatic influences 
during its campaign in Florida and South Car- 
olina, and was ordered, Apr. 18, 1864, to report 
to Gen. Butler in Virginia. While on the 
skirmish line, Mr. Prescott was instantly killed 
by the enemy's ball. May 18, 1864. He was 
highly respected by his comrades, and was 
regarded as a faithful soldier by the officers of 
his regiment. 
II. Em?na Foster, b. Oct. 14, 1853 ; md., Mar. 4, 
1877, P^ugene H. Shepard of Phillips. 2 chil. 



Josiah F. Prescott is a lumber-merchant residing at 
Farmington. He md., Feb. 4, 1838, Thirza Leavitt, b. in 
Winthrop, Nov. 24, 1814, dau. of Joseph and Abigail 
(Richmond) Dow. Two children : — 

I. * Daniel Marshall, b. Nov. 18, 1S38. 
II. Joseph Fcrhani, b. Nov. 26, 1846 ; d. Aug. 26, 
1867. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 559 

(9) I Danikl M. Prescott enlisted as ist lieutenant in Co. 
C (Charles W. Clayton, captain), 15th Reg. Me. Vols., 
and was mustered into service December 9, 1861. This 
regiment left Portland for the > Gulf of Mexico on the 
seventh of March, 1862, and arrived at Ship Island after 
a rough and stormy passage of twenty-eight days. On 
account of sickness, Capt. Clayton was not on duty at this 
time, and his place was filled by Lieut. Prescott, who was 
subsequently promoted to a captaincy. The regiment 
suffered severely in officers and men from the malarial 
diseases incident to a hot climate, which in many cases 
proved fatal, while in others the survivors were broken 
down in health and spirits. Capt. Prescott was among 
the sufferers, and, feeling that he could no longer be of 
service to his country, he tendered his resignation, which 
was accepted July 5, 1863. He returned home in a feeble 
state of health, but the invigoration of a northern climate, 
combined with rest and retirement, gradually restored his 
health, and he only regretted that he was not permitted to 
participate to the end in the great work which terminated 
so victoriously for the Union arms and the Union cause. 
He md., Aug. 11, 1859, Zilpha True; d. Nov. 17, 1870. 
One child : — 

I. Daniel Marshall, b. June 7, 1864. 



Joseph Dean Prescott, eldest son of John Prescott 
and grandson of Jedidiah, was born in Winthrop, June 
23, 1799. He came as a boy to Farmington in 18 15, and 
lived with his uncle, Josiah Prescott. He was in trade at 
various times and in various places ; was deeply interested 
in politics, and served the county as county commissioner 
from 1839 to 1841, and register of probate from 1846 to 
1850. His last days were spent upon a farm in Jay, 
where he died, Oct. t8, 1883. Mr. Prescott md., Nov. 9, 
1820, Hannah, dau. of Enoch Craig, q. v.\ md. (2), April, 
1869, Clarinda, dau. of Moses Butterfield, q. v. Nine 
children by first marriage : — 

I. Dorothy Ann, b. Aug. 24, 1821; md., July 16, 

1843, James S. Cady of Ostend, O. 
II. Albion Lafayette, b. Julv 16, 1824; d. Aug. 19, 

1825. 
III. George Washington, b. Oct. 20, 1826; md., Nov. 
9, 1850, Mary L. Sherburne of Phillips. He 
served in the Rebellion on the staff of Krig.- 
Gen. Sibley. Lives in Minnesota. 

16 I IV. Ellery Channing, b. Apr. 20, 1828; d. Aug. 18, 
I 1829. 

17 V. Ha7inah Lotiisa, b. Apr. 9, 1S31 ; d. Oct. 22, 
1 1855. 



56o 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



19 

20 



22 
23 

24 
25 

26 
27 

28 



VI. Lticiefi Napoleon, b. Apr. 3, 1833. He was ap- 
pointed postmaster at Farmington on the 
accession of Mr. Lincoln, and held the office 
for some six years. He was associate editor 
and editor of the Farmifigton Chronicle from 
1854 until 1867. He is at present employed 
in the Treasury Department at Washington, 
D. C. He md., Jan. 2, 1859, Phebe Floren- 
tine, dau. of Rufus and Phebe (Noyes) Brett, 
who was b, in Strong, Feb. i, 1838. 3 chil. 

VII. Sutton Kerr, b. Jan. 22, 1836; d. Oct. 19, 1854, 
while a member of Bowdoin College. 

VIII. Lonia Caroline, b. in Chesterville, Nov. 2, 1837 5 
md., Nov. 4, i860, Israel Warren Merrill, son 
of Rev. Enos and Hannah (Abbot) Merrill. 
Mr, Merrill was born in Falmouth, Dec. 16, 
1830. He has resided in Farmington for many 
years, and is at present treasurer of the Frank- 
lin County Savings Bank, which position he 
has held since 1875. He has also been town 
clerk since 1868. In 1882 Mr. Merrill suc- 
ceeded Judge Severy as trustee of the State 
Normal Schools, and still occupies that posi- 
tion. Mrs. Merrill d. Apr. 29, 1879. 7 chil.: 

1. Hortense Maria Merrill, b. Sept. 4, 

1861. 

2. Arthui Warren Merrill, b. Mar. 7, 1863. 

3. Rowland Howard Merrill, b. Sept. 27, 

1865 ; d. Feb. 24, 1867. 

4. Earle Abbott Merrill, b. Sept. 22, 1867. 

5. Carleton Prescott Merrill, b. Jan. 24, 

1870. 

6. Ella Patten Merrill, b. Dec. 25, 1872. 

7. Clara Douglas Merrill, b. Aug. 16, 1878; 

d. Nov. 23, 1878. 
IX. Hortense Beauharnais, b. Aug. 6, 1840; d. Sept. 
3, 1861. 



Joseph Ramsden or Ramsdell had a settlement at Plymouth, Mass., 
as early as 1643. His descendants settled upon and about Cape Cod. 
He was doubtless the ancestor of the Ramsdells of Farmington, although 
their ancestry has been traced with certainty only to Richard Ramsdell, 
who was a resident of Truro, Mass., in the middle of the last century. 



Abner Ramsdell, son of Richard Ramsdell, was born 
at Truro, Mass., in 1758. He came to Farmington proba- 
bly in 1796, and purchased of Church Brainerd river-lot 



GEATEALOGICAL REGISTER. 561 

No. 38, easf side, now owned by Henry Manter, upon 
which he settled, and where he died Sept. 4, 1802. He 
nid., in 1785, Jerusha Collins, who d. Dec. 18, 1857, aged 
89 years. Ten children, five of whom were b. in Truro 
Mass. : — 

I. Richard, b. Oct. 31, 1787; md., Feb. 15, 1811 

(pub.), Fannie L. Savage; d. Sept., 1838. 
II. Rebecca, b. July 11, 1789; md., April 10, 1808 

(pub.), Luther Bailey, q. v. ; d. Dec. 3, 1840. 
in. Jerusha, b. April 17, 1794; md., March 3, 1814, 

Nehemiah Chandler, q. v. ; d. Dec. 31, 1831;. 
IV. *Abner, b. Nov. 17, 1795. 

V. John, b. June 5, 1797; md. Catherine Hutchins 

of Boothbay; d. Aug. 31, 1862; she was b. 

April 8, 1798, and d. April 28, 1869. ^3 chil, 

eleven of whom are living. 

VI. Benja^nin, b. Oct. 8, 1798; d. in 1814, of cold 

fever. 
VII. Wi/Hatn, b. Feb. 8, 1800; md. Betsey Allen of 

New Sharon ; d. in Lincoln. 
VIII. James, b. March 27, 1801 ; md. Nancy Crumpton • 
d. March, 1863. 
IX. Sarah, b. March 25, 1802; md., Feb. 6, 182 1 
(pub.), Samuel Crumpton ; md. (2), Sept. 27, 
1836 (pub.), Joel Whitney; d. in Phillips. 
X. Joanna, b. April 26, 1803 ; md., March 29, 1825, 
John Allen, Jr. ; d. May, 1875. 



Abner Ramsdell, Jr., first saw the light in Truro, 
Mass., and when an infant was brought to this town by his 
parents. At the age of twenty-four, he md., Feb. 15, 
1819, Hannah Corbett, and settled upon the homestead! 
where for many years he was extensively engaged in the 
manufacture of brick. His wife, who was the dau. of 
John Corbett, q.v.; d. Nov. 6, 1881. He d. April 22 
1884. Eight children : — ' 

I. Cyrus Corbett, b. Nov. 4, 1820 ; md., Jan. 3, 1849, 
Mahala B. Norcross, who d. April 12, 1850! 
He md. (2), May 25, 185 1, Statira C, dau. of 
Lbenezer Davis, q. v. i child by 2d marriage. 
II. Angellne, b. Jan. 21, 1823; md., Feb. 25, 1841, 
Peter P. Tufts, q. v. ; d. April 16, 1863. 

III. Sylvester, b. Nov. 10, 1825 ; md.. May 9, 1850, 

Angeline Fames. He resides in Colorado.' 
3 chil. 

IV. Hirajn, b. Feb. 12, 1829; md., May 28, 1867, 

Sarah, dau. of Melzer and Sarah (Davis) 
Boardman. He is a successful merchant at 
the Center Village ; s. p. 



562 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



16 



17 



19 



V. 



VI. 



VII. 



Aimer Curtis, b. Dec. g, 183 1; md., June ig, 
1854, Rachel J. Rackliff, who d. Jan. 6, 1858. 
He md. (2), April 20, i85g, Louisa Rackliff; 
d. Sept. 18, i85g ; she d. Oct. 3, 1880, aged 53 
years. 2 chil. by first marriage. 

John Corbett, b. April i, 1834; is married, and 
resides in Denver, Col. 

Joel Whitney, b. Apr, 16, 1837. Resides in Mon- 
tana; unmd. 

Sarah Hannah, b. Feb. 24, 1840 ; md., Sept. 16, 
1883, Arthur Ingalls of New Vineyard. 



This name does not appear among the early records of this country. 
It is probably the same as Ryan. The family line in P'armington has not 
been traced beyond Joseph Riant. 



12 

13 



II. 



III. 

IV. 



Joseph Riant, a native of Dorchester, Mass., removed 
with his wife and one child to Winthrop in 1785, and three 
years later to the Sandy River valley. He vvas the first 
occupant of front-lots No. 3g and 40, west side, making 
his home on the latter, now owned by Elisha Bradford. 
He was a Revolutionary soldier, and a pensioner in the 
later years of his life. The town records show thirteen 
children born to him and to his wife Salla Powers : — 

I. Sarah, b. Apr. 2, 1784; md., July 3, 1807, Jesse 
Crosby of Stark. 
Abigail, b. Jan. 16, 1786; md., Sept. 20, 1804, 
Dr. Nathaniel K. Whittemore of Temple ; d. 
Oct. 2g, i860. 
Anna, b. Jan. 6, 1788; md. Thomas Dudley. 
Susanna, b. Aug. 27, i78g ; md. Rufus Thompson; 
d. in Avon, 
v. Catherine, b. May 25, i7gi ; md., Mar. 26, 18 12, 

Joseph Boodry. Resided in Rangeley. 
VI. Betsey, b. May 15, i7g3; d. Oct. 12, 1836; unmd. 
VII. Joseph, b. Mar. 23, i7g5 ; md. and d. in Pennsyl- 
vania. 
'HI. Thomas, b. Sept. 27, i7g7; md., Mar. 3, 1820, 
Elizabeth Webber ; d. in Minnesota. 10 chil. 
Margaret, b. May 8, 1800; md., May 2g, 1834, 
Benjamin Adams, q. v.; d. Feb. 18, 1871. 
X. Zibiah, b. Sept. 11, 1801; md., Nov. 8, 1817 
(pub.), Benjamin Barnes, Jr. Resided in New 
Portland. 
Soffa, b. Aug. 12, 1803; d. unmd. 
Eleanor, b. July 15, 1805; md., Apr. 27, i82g 
(pub.), Elias, son of Thomas and Elizabeth 



IX 



XI 
XII 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



563 



IS 
16 

17 



19 



(Waugh) Odell; d. in 1871. He was b. Oct. 
22, 1800. 
Alary, b. Jan. 30, 1810; md., Jan. 6, 1831, Cyrus, 
son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Waugh) Odell ; 
d. Sept. 3, 1836. He was b. Jan. 15, 1803. 3 
chil: 

1. Margaret Adams Odell, b. Dec. 25, 

1831 ; md. William Jenks ; d. in 
Chelsea, Mass., Feb. 28, 1868. 2 chil. 

2. Solomon Hopkins Odell, b. Sept. 23, 

1833; md, Emma E. Beedy ; d. Feb. 
9, 1882. Was a soldier in the war of 
the Rebellion. 6 chil. 

3. Joseph Riant Odell, b. Jan. 10, 1836; 

md. Amanda Oakes. 3 chil. 

Mr. Odell md. (2), Feb. 19, 1838, Betsey Wil- 



bur, 
chil 



b. Jan. 31, 1803; d. Dec. 7, 1881. 4 

Benjamin Cyrus Odell, b. Dec. 23, 1838; 
md. Betsey Jane Morrison. Resides 
in Industry. 4 chil. 

Mary Frances Odell, b. July 2, 1840; 
md., June 24, 1859 (pub.), Leonard 
P. Partridge; d. Feb. 10, 1875. He 
d. in 1866. 2 chil, 

Alonzo Jones Odell, b. Nov. 18, 1842. 
Served as a soldier in the late war, 
and is now a prosperous merchant at 
Farmington. He md., Sept. 4, 1869, 
Mary Eva, dau. of Sylvanus F. and 
Laura A. (Dudley) Jewell. 2 chil. 

Phebe Ellen Odell, b. July 6, 1844; 
md., Sept. 21, 186 1, Warren VV. 
Kempton, Jr. i child. 



This family is believed to be of Scotch descent. It is a tradition 
that three brothers, Epliraim, Jabez, and Nathaniel, came from Scotland 
to Massachusetts near the opening of the last century. Lphr.iim 
kussell, who was a resident of Groton, Mass., is believed to be tiie son 
of one of these brothers. The records of (iroton show eight children 
born to Ephraim and Miriam Russell. Of his six sons, four were in the 
Revolutionary army. Mr. Russell was a noted school-teacher, and in 
late life removed to l^loomfield, where he died. His eldest son, Ephraim, 
was born in Groton, Nov. 6, 1755, ^"d was enrolled as a minute-man in 
tlie Revolutionary army. When the tidings reached Groton on tlie 17th 
of June, 1775, that the battle on Hunker Hill was in progress, Mr. Russell 



564 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



with the Groton militia left for the scene of hostilities, but the firing had 
ceased before their arrival. They assisted, however, in burying their 
fallen comrades. In 1776 he married Mary Porter, and they were the 
parents of six sons and four daughters. Three of the sons settled in 
Farmington, and are noticed below. Mr. and Mrs. Russell spent the 
evening of their life with their son, Col. James Russell, in Temple. She 
died in Farmington, Nov. 18, 1822. He died in Temple, Nov. 11, 1831. 



Nathaniel Russell, the son of Ephraim Russell, was 
born in Lunenburg, Mass., Mar. i, 1778. He came to 
Farmington a single man in 1798 or 1799, and for a time 
worked by the month for Col. Porter and others. He 
soon purchased a part of back-lot No. 15, west side, now 
owned by Edward P. Davis, and began to make improve- 
ments by clearing the land and erecting a log-house, to 
which he brought his bride of seventeen summers, to share 
his new home, in the year 1800. Gen. Russell pos- 
sessed one element of character which was peculiar to 
the whole family, — a love for the military, not simply for 
its glitter and show, but for its science. Upon the organi- 
zation of the West Company of Infantry, he was chosen to 
command it, and during the last war with Great Britain, 
when the troops from this State were called out, he 
marched to Bath, the place of rendezvous, in command of 
the company drafted for the service. In October, 1827, a 
brigade review was held upon Mr. Enoch Craig's interval. 
Gov. Lincoln and staff were present, and a large concourse 
of people were in attendance. Gen. Russell was in com- 
mand of the brigade, and exhibited, in voice, manner, and 
martial bearing, that skill and ingenuity in the perform- 
ance of the various evolutions which elicited the unquali- 
fied commendation of all present. He md., in 1800, Pru- 
dence, dau. of Samuel Butterfield, q. v. She was the first 
girl born of English-speaking parents in the township, and 
lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years. He d. 
Oct. 24, 1827. Six children : — 

\. ^Samuel, b. Jan. 24, 1801. 
n. *Isaac, b. Dec. 29, 1804. 
in. 2'homas Porter, b. July 6, 1808; md., Dec. 8, 

1828 (pub.), Eliza Conant of Temple ; d. May 

16, 1861. She was b. Feb. 14, 1808; d. Mar. 

3, 1884. Their children are: Lovina P., md. 

William Sampson ; Violetta S., md. Oliver 

Darrow ; and Isaac Jophanus, b. Aug. 8, 1835. 
IV. Nathaniel, b. May 21, 18 13; d. Mar. 6, 1827. 
v. Mary Porter, b. Jan. 24, 1815 ; md., Dec. 9, 1833 

(pub.), John J. Green, q. v.; d. June 12, 1839. 
Albion J>arris, b. Sept. 17, 1822; md., Jan. 23, 

1845, Lucinda, dau. of John F. Woods, q. v. 



VI. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 565 

Resides in Temple. 3 chil., i of whom is 
living. 



William Russell, brother of Gen. Nathaniel, removed 
to Farmington in 1800, and settled on a part of back-lot 
No. 20, west side, which he reclaimed from the wilderness, 
and where he continued to reside during life. He com- 
manded the West Company of Infantry for several years ; 
was an upright, industrious man, and lived an honored 
citizen until his death, July 7, 1867. He md., Jan. 2, 
1803. Dolly Clark, who d. Nov. 9, 1822, aged 38 years; 
md. (2), Mar. 20, 1824 (pub.), Sylvia Bennett, who d. Jan. 
12, 1854. Eleven children : — 

L Liicinda, b. Feb. 22, 1804; md., Feb. 21, 1825 

(pub.), Elias Adams of Phillips; d. Apr. 22, 

1870. I child. 
II. James, b. Jan. 4, 1806 ; md., Jan. 3, 1828, Cordelia 

Gordon; d. at Florence, Cal., Nov. 17, 187S. 

9 chil. 

III. Sumner, b. Aug. 6, 1807 ; md. Phebe Pierce. 3 

chil. He md. (2) Abigail Coombs. 9 chil. 

He md. (3) Mrs. Miriam Gilman. 2 chil. He 
d. at Smithfield. 

IV. Mary, b. Dec. 28, 1809; md., Nov. 6, 1837 

(pub.), Abel W. Huse ; d. at Evanston, 111., 
May, 1868. 5 chil. 
v. William, b. Nov. 5, 181 1 ; md. Mary Clark ; d. in 

Bingham, May 13, 1883. 6 chil. 
VI. Sally, b. Feb. 11, 181 4; md., Apr. 18, 1839, 

Thomas B. Smith; d. May 11, 1883. 
VII. Dolly, b. in 1816; d. Mar. 25, 1823. 
VIII. Nehemiah Hunt, b. Dec. 9, 1818; d. June 16, 

1835- 
IX. Ann, b. Aug. 6, 182 1 ; md., June 22, 1841, Benja- 
min Huse; d. May 5, 1881. 

Second marriage : 

X. Sylvia, K ,«• n 

/ ' - b. Mar. 17, 182=:. 
XI. Lucy, \ /' :> 

Sylvia d. Jan. 7, 185 1 ; unmd. 

Lucy d. Jan. 29, i8t,i ; unmd. 



Joseph Russell, a younger brother of Gen. Nathaniel 
Russell, was born in Lunenburg, Mass., Jan. 29, 1787. In 
1807 he came to this town, and cleared a part of back-lot 
No. 14, west side, now owned by Albert Thompson, upon 
which he settled. In 1849 he removed to Temple, where 
his death occurred, Mar. 12, 1869. He was a representa- 



72 



$66 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



22 



23 



24 
26 



(2) 



27 
28 



29 

(3) 



30 



31 



live to the legislature in 1835, and chaplain of the ist 
Regiment from 1835 to 1840, when his resignation took 
place. Mr. Russell was a local Methodist preacher for 
many years, and was regarded as an active and zealous 
Christian. He md., Dec. 25, 18 10, Hannah, dau. of 
Lemuel Tuck, who was b, Feb. 15, 1784; d. May, 1846. 
He md. (2), Feb. 4, 1849, Elizabeth H. Ames, b. in Lewis- 
ton, May 31, 1813. Six children : — 

I. Joseph Woodbury^ b. July 16, 1815 ; md., Aug. 6, 
1837 (pub.), Lucy Mitchell; md. (2), July 16, 
1858, Martha L. Wormwell ; d. in Iowa, Sept. 
12, 1858. He was a lawyer of good ability. 4 
chil. 
II. Dorcas Tuck, b. June 23, 1817 ; md. Albion 

Moore of Wilton; d. May 23, 1859. x dau. 
in. Benjafnin Fra^ikUn, b. July 31, 1820; tl. in Iowa, 
Aug. 17, 1868; unmd. 

Second marriage : 



IV. 
V. 



VI. 



Jofui Savcls, b. Sept. 17, 1850; d. Sept. 6, 1854. 
Mary Elizabeth, b. Apr. 8, 1852; d. Sept. 4, 

1854. 
John Andrew, b. Nov. 17, 1857 ; graduated from 

the Normal School in 1879, and afterwards 

from its advanced course in 1881. He is a 

successful teacher. 



Samuel Russell, son of Gen. Nathaniel Russell, suc- 
ceeded to the homestead. He md., Jan. 23, 1823, Phebe 
Barrett of Lunenburg, Mass.; d. July 18, 1864. She d. 
Jan. 28, 1 87 I. Three children : — 

I, * Charles Barrett, b. Dec. 15, 1823. 
11. Nathaniel, b. Apr. 19, 1830; md., Apr. 26, 1854, 
Marilla, dau. of William True, q. v., b. June 14, 
1832. 
III. Phebe, b. Jan. 4, 1836; d. Jan. 16, 1836. 



Isaac Russell operated Russell's Mills for many years, 
and now lives in Temple. He md., Nov. 13, 1828, Han- 
nah, dau. of John F. Woods, q. v., who d. June 21, 1883. 
One child : — 

I. Elmira, b. Oct. 2, 1S35 ; md., Nov., 1856, James 
N. Libby of Temple ; s. p. 



James Porter Russell was born in Townsend, Mass., 
Jan. 30, 18 1 9, and the same year his father, Col. James 
Russell, who was a brother of Gen. Nathaniel, moved to 




yfJ/iA./c.s S, //L.L^ji/l 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



S^7 



32 

34 

35 

(27) 



36 



37 



Temple. There Mr. Russell's youth was spent, and as 
years passed on he became a respected citizen, frequently 
called to fill municipal ofifices, and representing the town 
two years in the legislature. Recently he changed his 
residence to Farmington. He md., Apr. 25, 1841, Mary, 
dau. of Isaac Butterficld, q. v., who d. July 27, 1885. Four 
children : — 

I. Isaac Butterfidd., b. June 12, 1842 ; md., Nov. 24, 
1868, Mrs. Nancy (Mcintosh) Mitchell of 
Temple ; s. p. 
II. Francis Henry, b. July 5, 1848; md., Nov. 28, 

1872, Addie Winter of New Portland, Is a 
practicing physician at Farmington. 3 chil. 

III. Hannibal, b. Apr. 4, 1850; md., Dec. 3, 1871, 

Florence Dinsmore of Temple. 2 chil. 

IV. James, b. Mar. 25, 1852 ; md., Feb. 7, 1876, 

Abbie Whittemore of Temple. 2 chil. 

Charles B. Russell first settled in Temple and began 
operating a saw-mill and machinery, but subsequently 
removed to this town, where he also operated for several 
years the Russell saw-mill, in connection with the cultiva- 
tion of his farm. Mr. Russell is regarded with favor as a 
business man, and many estates have been confided to 
him for settlement. He served the town as selectman in 
1874-75-76-77-78-79-81-82-83-84. He md., May 7, 
1845, Emeline, dau. of Col. James and Prudence (Barrett) 
Russell, who was b. in Temple, Sept. 27, 1822, and d. 
May 22, 1849. He md. (2), Jan. 28, 1850, Mary B., dau. 
of John F, Woods, q. v. Two children by first mar- 
riage : — 

I. Phehe Emma, b. June 12, 1847; md., Sept. 10, 

1867, J. Alfred, son of James Butterfield, 2d, 

q. v.; md. (2), Feb. 16, 1873, Albert Thompson. 

11. Mary E?neline, b. May 15, 1849; md., Aug. 31, 

1873, John J. Look, i child. 



Henry Sewall came to Boston on the ship Elizabeth atid Dorcas in 
1634, and settled at Ipswich. He came from Coventry, England, and 
belonged to an English family of distinction. Samuel Sewall, third son 
of Henry, settled at York, Me., and married Sarah,^daught'er of John 
Bachelor. Among their children were Dummer Sewall, one of the pro- 
prietors of Farmington, and Henry Sewall, wiio was born Feb. 23, 1739, 
and died Jan. 24, 1795. He married Mary, daughter of John Stinson, 
Esq., and among his children were Samuel Sewall and Jenny, wife of 
her cousin, Rev. Jotham Sewall. 



568 



HISTORY OF FARMINGJON. 



Samuel Sewall, eldest son of Henry and Mary (Stin- 
son) Sewall, was born in Georgetown, Dec. 21, 1764. Mr. 
Sewall came into the Sandy River township in 1786, and 
settled on back-lot No. 49, west side. In 1792 he erected 
a saw-mill and grist-mill, and he also conducted the 
business of tanning. The mills were afterwards pur- 
chased by Rufus Davis. Mr. Sewall was a man of supe- 
rior intellect and devoted piety, and was accustomed to 
conduct religious services while a resident of the town. 
He assumed charge of the Congregational Church at 
Edgecomb in 1805, and was ordained to the ministry Sept. 
30, 1807. In 18 14 he removed to Phipsburg, and died 
while a missionary at the Isle of Shoals, Mar. 16, 1826. 
The records of Farmington show nine children : — 

Rufus, b. Dec. 10, 1787. 

Stinson, b. Feb. 27, 1789. 

Jason, b. Feb. 3. 1791. 

Lydia, b. Jan. 9, 1793 ; d. Nov. 5, 1796. 

Samuel, b. July 12, 1794. 

Abigail, b. July 26, 1796. 

Phile7iia, b. July 24, 1798. 

Levi, b. May 24, 1800. 

Esther, b. Feb. 9, 1802. 



2 


I. 


3 


II. 


4 


III. 


.S 


IV. 


6 


V. 


7 


VI. 


8 


VII. 


9 


VIII. 





IX. 



Smitft* 

No relationship is known to exist between the various persons of this 
name who settled in Farmington, nor is anything known of their an- 
cestrv. 



Elijah Smith came with his family from Martha's 
Vineyard in the early part of the present century. He 
purchased a farm in the eastern part of the town — the 
same upon which Oliver Hartwell first made improve- 
ments, — where he settled permanently. He was the son 
of Elijah and Bethiah Smith. He md., Aug. 4, 1768, 
Hannah Mayhew, who was b. in Easton, Mass., Apr. 15, 
1748; d. June 23, 1790. He md. (2), in 1791, Matilda 
Mayhew, who was b. in Chilmark, Mass., Sept. 2, 175 1 ; 
d. Oct. 10, 1843. He d. July 2, 1823. Seven children: — 

I. Benjamin, b. May 6, 1769; md. Ruhamah May- 
hew ; d. Apr. 9, 1861. 
II. Elijah, b. June 29, 1771; md. Lydia Pease; d. 
Oct, 19, i860. 

III. Sarah, b. May 25, 1775; md. Asa Tilton ; d. 

Mar. 3, 1826. 

IV. Mary, b. Sept. 11, 1777; md. Nicholas Winslow. 
V. Hannah, b. Nov. 4, 1781 ; md. Jeremiah Smith. 

VI. * Rufus, b. June 1, 1784. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 569 

Second marriage : 

VII. Mayhew, b. Oct. 14, 1791 ; md. Sarah Cottle; d. 
Nov. 28, i860. 



RuFUS Smith succeeded to the homestead farm, which 
he cultivated with success. He was a native of Chilmark, 
Mass., and md., May 3, 18 10, Lydia Mayhew, also a native 
of that town. He d. very suddenly, Nov. 6, 18 19, and his 
widow survived him nearly sixty years, dying Mar. 17, 
1879, in the ninety-second year of her age. Five chil- 
dren : — 

I. Zadoc, b. Feb. 19, 181 1 ; md., July i, 1834, Elsie 
Tripp. Resides in New Sharon. 

II. Benjamin Mayhew, b. Jan. 19, 18 13; md., Sept. 
22, 1835, Betsey Evelina, dau. of Rufus Allen, 
q. v.\ d. at Martha's Vineyard, Nov. 28, 1881. 

III, Lydia Mayhew, b. Jan. 3, 1815; md., Jan. i, 

1840, Lemuel P. Smith; d. July 9, 1861. 

IV. Matilda, b. Mar. 7, 1817 ; md., Sept. 29, 1840, 

Elijah Norton, q. v. 
V. Rufus Bartlett, b. July 8, 1819; md., Oct. 31, 
1850, Rebecca, dau. of James Bailey, q. v., who 
d. Apr. 15, 1885 ; s. p. 

JoTHAM Smith, the son of Gideon Smith, an early 
pioneer in the township, was a native of Spencer, Mass. 
Soon after his marriage he came to the Sandy River valley 
and selected river-lot No. 27, west side (now the property 
of Laforest Tufts and others), as the spot upon which to 
erect a log-cabin and make a home for his wife and chil- 
dren. He was highly respected by his townsmen, who 
elected him selectman in 1796-97-98-99, 1800-17. About 
1824 he sold his farm to Reuben Jones, and removed to 
Phillips, where he d., June 14, 1833. He was b. Aug. 27, 
1757 ; md., Nov. 18, 1787, Mary Kannady, b. in Ireland, 
Sept. 10, 1765; d. Apr. 2, 1813. Nine children: — 

I. Samuel, b. Aug. 22, 1788; md., Jan. 6, 18 14, 
Mary, dau. of Caleb Sprague, q. v.; d. May 10, 
1858. 9 chil. 
II. Lilly, b. Sept. 4, 1790; md., Apr. 26, 1810, Caleb, 
son of Caleb Sprague, q. v. 

III. Jotham,\i. ]wx\Q. 21, 1792; md. ; d. in Massachu- 

setts in 185 I. 

IV. George, b. May 15, 1794; md.; d. in Massachu- 

setts, 
v. Mary, b. May 16, 1796; md. Ephraim Conant ; d. 
in Madrid. 



570 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



VI, William, b. Jan. 15, 1799; md. Patience D. 
Jones; d. Jan. 14, 1859. She d. Aug. 12, 
1880. 
VII. Gideon, b. May i, 1801 ; went to sea and never 

returned. 
VIII. Isaac Spooner, b. May 29, 1803 ; md. Eliza Cal- 
den. 
IX. John Edson, b. Sept. 26, 1807 ; d, in Massachu- 
setts ; unmd. 



2 


I. 


3 


II. 


4 


III. 


.S 


IV. 


6 


V. 


7 


VI. 



Dea. Abraham Smith was a native of Lynn, Mass., 
and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. For many years 
he was in receipt of a pension from the Government as a 
reward for his toils and sacrifices in that struggle. He 
became a resident of this town about 1788, upon a portion 
of back-lot No. 4, now occupied by Lemuel P. Smith, 
where he spent a long and useful life, dying Apr. 2, 1853, 
at an advanced age. He was the first deacon of the 
Congregational Church. The town records show six chil- 
dren : — 

Stephen, b. Mar. 16, 1787. 

Rebecca, b. Dec. 5, 1788. 

Lydia, b. Dec. 7, 1790. 

Polly, b. Dec. 3, 1792. 

Susanna, b. Sept. 4, 1795 ; d. Mar. 27, 1797. 

Abraham, b. Feb. 4, 1798. 



The family of Soule is one of the Farmington families herein noticed 
which trace their pedigree to the Mayflower passengers. Through the 
female line it is proud to claim Miles Standish as an* ancestor, and 
through the male line, George Soule, who formed one of the fearless 
company who took possession of New England's " rock-bound coast." 
His wife's surname is not known, but her Christian name was Mary. 
They settled in Duxbury. Among their four children was John Soule, 

who married Hester , and was the father of seven children. Of 

these children, Benjamin settled in Plympton and married Sarah Stan- 
dish, daughter of Alexander Standish, and granddaughter of Miles 
Standish, the "Puritan Captain." He died in 1729, aged 64 years. 
Zachariah Soule, one of the six children of Benjamin and Sarah Standish 
Soule, was born March 26, 1694; married, June 9, 1720, Mary Eaton. 
They were the parents of nine children, among whom was Zachariah 
Soule, Jr., who was born Feb. 20, 1722-3. Zachariah, Jr., married Sarah 
Bryant, and had two children recorded in Plympton. Jabez, the elder of 
these children, was born Apr. 25, 1752; married Lucy Morton of Middle- 
boro, and removed to Halifax, Mass. They were the parent^ of nine 
children, among whom were Zachariah Soule, noticed below, and Lucy, 
born Jan. 13, 1791, who married John Church, Jr., q. v. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



571 



(3) 



Zachariah Soule {vide page 276), the eldest child of 
Jabez and Lucy (Morton) Soule, was born in Halifax, 
Mass., Nov. 10, 1780. He md., in 1807, Abigail Crosvvell 
of Falmouth, Mass., sister of Thomas Crosvvell, q. v. She 
d. Oct. 25, 187 1. He d. in Pennsylvania, Sept., 1837. 
Three children : — 

I. Sarah Croswell, b. Sept. 9, 1808; md., Dec. 2, 

1830, Thomas Hunter, 2d, q. v. 
II. ^George Tho?nas, b. July 27, 1810. 
III. JoJm Minot, b. April 11, 1813. He settled at 
Gainesville, Ala., in 1833, as a merchant ; md. 
Virginia R. Hutchins ; d. Oct., i860. She d. 
Aug. 26, 1872. 



George Thomas Soule learned the trade of a cabinet- 
maker, which he pursued for a time at Farmington. He 
abandoned this business for that of gravestone manufac- 
turing, which he now follows. Mr. Soule is a man of wide 
information and intelligence. While in Farmington he 
served on the superintending school committee. He now 
resides in Strong. He md., June 7, 1849, Caroline Amelia, 
dau. of Daniel and Martha (Tolman) Sewall, and grand- 
daughter of Thomas and Priscilla (Cony) Sewall of 
Augusta. She was b. Sept. 23, 1827. Three children: — 

I. Martha Louisa, b. Dec. 24, 1850 ; md., Jan. i, 

1874, Charles F. Gilkey of Strong. 5 chil. 
II. Lucy Church, b. Oct. 12, 1852 ; md., June 14, 
1876, Jacob Loring Pratt, a Congregational 
clergyman of Strong. 2 chil. 
III. JohfhMinot, b. May 24, 1857. 



Ralph, Richard, and William Sprague, three brothers, came to New 
England at an early day. It has been supposed that they were of the 
Endicott party which arrived in Salem in 1628, but the best authority 
claims that they came with Higginson the following year. William, the 
youngest, settled at Charlestown and later at Hingbam, and was the fa- 
ther of eleven children. Anthony, the eldest child, was born at Charles- 
town, May 23, 1636, and married, in 1664, P21izabeth Bartlett. Of the 
eleven children of Anthony and Elizabeth Sprague the ninth was Jere- 
miah, who was born at Hingham, July 24, 1682, married Priscilla Knight, 
and died March 7, 1757. Knight Sprague, the oldest of the ten children 
of Jeremiah and Priscilla Sprague, was born Oct. 12, 1711, and married. 
May 26, 1735, Mary Lewis. Knight .Sprague was a resident of Hingham, 
and there his son Caleb was born, July 17, 1755, and baptized the third 
day after in the old historic church of that town. 



572 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



9 
lo 

1 1 



13 



(3) 



Caleb Sprague came with his family from Spencer, 
Mass., to Farmington, Sept. 10, 1809, and settled upon the 
west side of the river on a farm purchased of Gideon 
Smith and now owned by his son, Harvey Sprague, where 
he spent the remainder of his life. He was a man of 
good sense and industrious habits, and was much esteemed 
by his townsmen. He md., April 21, 1785, Lilly, dau. of 
Gideon Smith, b. at Leicester, Mass., Feb. 24, 1766; d. 
Nov. 17, 1840. He was killed by a fall from his carriage, 
March 20, 1828. Twelve children, eleven of whom were 
b. in Spencer : — 

I. Major, b. Dec. 24, 1785; md. Patty Cobley; d. 

in Vermont. 2 chil. 
II. * Walter Wriley, b. June 8, 1787. 

III. Caleb, b. July 11, 1789; md., April 26, 1810, 

Lilly, dau. of Jotham Smith, g. v. ; settled in 
Phillips. 

IV. Jotham, b. May 25, 1791 ; md. Flmira Berrier ; 

d, in Ohio. 
V, Mary, b. June 13, 1793; md., Jan. 6, 1814, 
Samuel, son of Jotham Smith, q. v. ; d. June 5, 
1867. He d. May 10, 1858. 9 chil. 
VI. Stephen Green, b. Aug. 3, 1795; md. Rhoda 
Euker, and settled in Phillips, where he d. 
April 20, 1870. 10 chil. 
VII. David, b. Jan. 13, 1798; md., Jan., 1827, Sarah 

Jane Mann; d. Jan. 6, 1831. i child. 
VIII. *Ira, b. July i, 1800. 
IX. *Harvey, b. Sept. 13, 1802. 

X. Sophia, b. Jan. 9, 1805 ; ,md., Feb. 15, 1840, 
Aaron Tarbox ; d. Sept. 6, 1853. 5 chil. 

XI. Benjamin Franklin, b. April 27, 1807 ; md., July 

13, 1840, Comfort Kates. He was a popular 
Methodist minister, possessing fine oratorical 
power ; d. in Windsor, much lamented, Aug., 
i860. 4 chil. 

XII. Lilly Smith, b. in Leicester, Mass., July 15, 1809; 

md., June 15, 1829, Jeremiah Mann. Resides 
in Boston. 6 chil. 

Walter W. Sprague, second son of Caleb Sarague, 
first settled in the State of Vermont, where he resided 
until 1822, when he removed to Phillips. In 1854 he 
came to Farmingion, which was his home during the 
remainder of his life. He followed the occupation of a 
carpenter, and was also a tiller of the soil. He md. Lydia 
Ewings, b. Dec. 25, 1790; d. Aug. 17, 1870. His death 
occurred Aug. 9, 1872. Ten children : — 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



573 



I. Desiah Ewings^ b. Feb. 8, 1813 ; d. in Lowell, 

Mass., Oct. 4, 1836; unmd. 
II. Mary Adeline, b Aug. 10, 18 14; d. Oct. 14, 
1840; unmd. 

III. Quartus Caleb, b. Feb. 12, 1816; nid. Melinda 

Tarbell ; d. in Lowell, Mar. 4, 1848. i child, 
d. young. 

IV. Walter Wriley, b. Nov. 11, 18 17; d. Oct. 1, 

1841 ; unmd. 
V. Charles Gilman, b. Dec. 2u;, 1819; md. Mary 

Brown. Resides in California. 2 chil. 
VI. Emily Arm, b. Nov. 4, 182 1 ; md. Edmund, son 
ot Elnathan Pope. Resides in Holliston, 
Mass. ; s. p. 
VII. * Dexter Bates, b. Aug. 27, 1823. 
VIII. Ransom Eivirigs, b. Aug. 22, 1825 ; d. Apr. 20, 
1844; unmd. 
IX. Sophia, b. Apr. 9, 1827 ; d. Feb. 5, 1845 ; unmd. 
X, IVeltha, b. Apr. 12, 1829; md.. May 26, 1855 
(pub.), Wentworth Ricker. Resides in New 
Portland, i child. 



Ira Sprague settled upon a part of the homestead, 
where he erected buildings and made his home until his 
death. He was a carpenter as well as farmer, and was 
regarded as an upright and honest citizen. He md., Dec. 
25, 1829, Dorothy S. Clough, b. in Alna, May 5, 181 1. 
He d. Dec. 18, 1878. Two children : — 

I. *Henry, b. Jan. 29, 1832. 

II. John Clough, b. Sept. 21, 1836; md. Emily De 
Lesdernier. Resides in San Francisco, Cal. 
I dau. 

Harvey Sprague, a younger brother of the preceding, 
also settled upon a part of the homestead, and in connec- 
tion with farming pursues the trade of a stone-mason. Fie 
is a man of industrious and frugal habits, and takes a 
good rank among his townsmen. He md.. Mar. 8, 1832, 
Mary, dau. of Otis Coibett, q. v. She was b. in Chester- 
\ille. Jan. 16, 1810. Four children : — 

I. Lucy Ann, b. Feb. 8, 1833. 

II. Frank Ellen, b. Feb. 17, 1836; d. May 31, 1872; 
unmd. 

III. Adelia Emma, b. May 10, 1843 ; md., Jan. 3, 

1872, Joseph L. Whiting. Resides in Frank- 
lin, Mass. 3 chil. 

IV. ^Herbert LeRoy, b. Nov. 2, 1846. 



73 



574 

(20) 



3° 
31 



32 

33 

(24) 



(29) 



39 
40 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Dexter B. Sprague resides upon the homestead farm, 
which he cultivates with success. He is a respected 
citizen. He md., Apr. 28, 1846, Cemantha, dau. of Jeph- 
thah and Parmelia (Chandler) Trowbridge, who was b. in 
Westford, Mass., Mar. 4, 1S20. Three children : — 



1853 ; md. Klmira 
184. Resides in E. 

md., Mar. 22, 1882, 



I. Dora Adeline^ b. Apr. 7, 184^ 

II. Charles Ernest, b. Mar. 9, 

Pope, who d. May 9, i 

Saginaw, Mich, i child. 

III. Ida Lydia, b. Feb. 16, 1861 

Joseph Lincoln, son of Elmon J. and Mendoza 
(Wendell) Dyar. i child : 

I. Walter Elmon Dyar, b. Feb. 2, 1883. 

Henry Spraoue is a house-joiner, and lives upon the 
farm formerly occupied by his father. He md., Mar. 25, 
1861, Ann Maria, dau. of Benjamin F. Sprague. i/. v. She 
was b. May 10, 1841. Five children : — 

Frank Henry, b. Apr. 16, 1862. 
Albert Clough, b. Oct. 13, 1863. 
Nellie Antoinette, b. Oct. 23, 1865. 
Eddie Russell, b. Feb. 27, 1867. 
Geine, b. July 24, 1870. 



34 


I. 


35 


II. 


36 


III. 


37 


IV. 


3« 


V. 



Herbert L. Sprague md., Dec. 12, 187 1, Anna Clay- 
ton, dau. of Richard and Isabel (Clayton) Bangs. Two 
children : — 



I. Lester LeRoy, b. Sept. 15, 1872. 
II. Carl Elmer, b. Mar. 16, 1875. 



Thomas Stanley removed from Topsfield, Mass., to Attleborough, in 
the same State, before 1707. He married Mary Gould, and was the father 
of twelve children, of whom the sixth was Daniel, who is believed to be 
the father of Daniel Stanley who settled in Farmington. 

Daniel Stanley, son of Daniel and Sophronia (Daggett) 
Stanley, was born at Attleborough, Mass., April 4, 1777. 
He acquired in early life the trade of a carpenter and 
house-joiner, and came to the township as a single man in 
1793. He worked at his trade for some years, and in 
1804 purchased of Ward Spooner a part of the farm on the 
west side of the river, now owned by his son, George W. 
Stanley, and others, to which he removed in 1S05, and 
where the remainder of his life was spent. Mr. Stanley 
was an excellent mechanic, and was respected for his 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 575 

industry and upright character. He md., April 29, 1802, 
Mercy, dau. of Nathaniel Backus, q. v., who d. Nov. 24, 
1844. He d. Sept. 12, 1829. Eleven children: — 

I. Chloe, b. Jan. 22, 1803 ; d. Nov. 18, 1825. 

II. * Daniel, b. Jan. 28, 1805. 

III. David, b. Feb. 21, 1807; d. April 14, 1814. 

IV. Sophronia, b. Dec. 5, 1808 ; d. Sept. 3, 1833. 

v. Chafles, b. April 24, 1812; d. at Aurora, Ind., 

Sept. 4, 1841. 
VI. Sylvester, b. Dec. 23, 1814; d. June 16, 1885; 

unmd. 
VII. Emeli?ie, b. April 14, 1817; d. April 14, 1855. 
VIII. Henry Stillman, b. March 22, 1819; d. July 30, 
1885. 
IX. George Washington, b. March 16, 182 1 ; md., Aug, 

20, i860, Fannie C. Kempton. 5 chil. 
X. Drusilla, b. Oct. 15, 1823; md., June 3, 185 1, 

George Perkins. 3 chil. 
xr. * Benjamin, b. Jan. i, 1828. 



Daniel Stanley, son of the preceding, purchased, 
about 1830, the Benaiah Pratt farm, adjoining that of his 
father, where he now resides. By pursuing his trade — 
that of a carpenter — with farming, he has acquiring a 
competency. He md., Oct. 19, 1835, Eliza Caroline, dau. 
of John Tuck, q. v., who d. Feb. 11, 1851. Six children : — 

I. Sophronia Rosamond, b. Nov. 3, 1837 ; md., Feb. 
3, 1856, William G. Moody; d. Aug. 10, 1858. 
II. Ellen Elizabeth, b. April 13, 1839 ; d. March 14, 
1862. 

III. Abbie Arvilla, b. July 28, 1841 ; md., Sept. 9, 

1874, Joseph P. Buswell of Dexter; s. p. 

IV. Emma Fhebe, b. Jan. 18, 1844; md., March 22, 

1885, Laforest Tufts, q. v. 
V. Charles Albert, b. Feb. 9, 1846; d. March 12, 

1857- 
VI. Daniel Adelbert, b. March 27, 1848 ; md., Oct. 30, 
1878, Emma S., dau. of John C. Sprague,'^. v. 
1 child. 



Benjamin Stanley resides upon a farm near the 
Fairbanks village. He md., Jan. 26, 1858, Sarah Eliza- 
beth, dau. of John Backus, q. v. Five children : — 

I. Mittie Leonora, b. Dec. 25, 1858 ; md., July 24, 

1882, John Henry Batchelder. 
II. Charlie, b. July 8, i860; d. Oct. 22, 1863. 

III. E'red Weston Milliken, b. Sept. 30, 1864. 

IV. Frank, b. July 2, 1868. 

V. Sarah Augusta, b. Dec. 4, 1870. 



576 



HISTOJ^y OF FARMINGTON. 



This name appears upon New England records as early as 1681, 
when William Starling or Sterling was freeman at Haverhill, Mass. It 
is probable that he was the ancestor of Moses Starling, but it is only 
conjecture. 



Moses Starling came to the township from Bristol in 
1786, and purchased the northern part of the mill-lot now 
owned by Moses Perham and others, and the same upon 
which the business portion of the village at West Farming- 
ton is located. He soon after purchased of Joseph and 
Jacob Eaton the mills long known as Starling's Mills, 
which were situated on the Temple Stream, and which he 
operated in connection with the cultivation of his farm for 
many years. Mr. Starling held a prominent place among 
the early settlers, and took a leading part in the affairs of 
the town. He received the first commission as Justice of 
the Peace, in 1790, and was the first postmaster, the office 
at that time being located at West Farmington. He also 
opened the first hotel on the west side of the river, and as 
one of the leading carpenters did an extensive business in 
the erection of buildings. Mr. Starling served the town 
as its first treasurer from 1794 to 1800 inclusive. He was 
b. in 1748, and married, Dec, 177 1, Mary Holden, a 
native of Providence, R. L, who d. Feb. 10, 1820; he d. 
Nov. 3, 1809. Four children : — 

I. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 13, 1772; md., June 22, 1795, 
Lemuel Perham, Jr., q. v.\ d. Feb. 25, 1861. 

3 II. Abigail, b. 1775; md. Jonathan Butler; d. Jan. 
12, 1798. 

4 III. Rachel, b. about 1779; md., Apr. i, 1800, Robert, 
son of Jacob Eaton, q. v.; d. in Ohio, June 28, 

1855- 
IV. Joseph, b. Apr. 25, 1782 ; md., Nov. i, 1804, Ruth 

Folsom ; d. Mar. 18, 1814. 



James Stewart came to Plymouth on the Fortune, Nov. 11, 1621, and 
many of the name are found in Bristol and Barnstable Counties in the 
seventeenth century. The family is undoubtedly of Scotch origin, but 
has probably existed in America as long as any New England family. 



Hugh Stewart was a Revolutionary soldier who was 
early placed upon the pension-roll and received a pension 
during life. He came from Martha's Vineyard, Mass., to 
parmington in 1794, and settled in the Holley neighbor- 
hood, upon a part of back-lot No. 30 in the " gore," where 
he erected commodious buildings and spent a long life. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. S77 

He was a house-joiner and cabinet-maker as well as 
farmer. He d. Aug, 3, 1835, ^S^^ 84 years. His wife, 
Mary Marchant, d. Oct. 8, 1846, aged 89 years. Eight 
children, six of whom were born on the Vineyard : — 

I. * Henry, b. Apr. 12, 1779. 

II. Hugh, b. Mar. 22, 1785 ; md., July, 1807, Martha, 
dau. of Solomon and Celia (Tilton) Luce of 
New Vineyard; d. Mar. 22, 1840. She d. 
Mar. 14, 1841. Settled in New Vineyard. 
8 chil. 

III. *Danid, b. Aug. 30, 1786. 

IV. Mary, b. Feb. 21, 1788; md., in 1846, Col. Daniel 

Baker of New Sharon ; d. Mar. 19, 1873. 
V. Charles, b. Dec. 13, 1790; d. Jan. 6, 1847 ; unmd. 
VI. William Marchant, b. Dec. 13, 1793; md., May 
23, 1824, Lucy Morton. He settled in New 
Vineyard, and d. May 8, 1874. She d. June 
30, 1878. 3 chil. 
VII. Elizabeth Howard, ) , . „ 

VIII. Vesta Howard, \ ^- ^"g" 5' i798- 

Elizabeth H. md., in 1822, Daniel C. Church, 

q. v.; d. Feb. 29, 1884. 
Vesta H. md.. May 24, 1824, Rev. Simeon 
Hackett of Temple; d. Jan. 31, 1872. He 
d. Feb. 25, 1876. 2 chil. 



Capt. Henry Stewart was a native of Martha's Vine- 
yard, and came to Farmington with his father at the age 
of fifteen years. He was a cabinet-maker and house- 
joiner, and always resided at the Center Village. Upon 
the organization of the company of cavalry in town. May 
12, 1810, he was elected ist lieutenant, and afterwards 
was elected to the command of the company. He md., 
Apr. 13, 1800, Sophia, dau. of John Church, q. v., who d. 
Feb. 12, 1822. He md. (2), Sept. 5, 1824, Catherine, 
dau. of Daniel and Catherine (Pond) Stanley, b. in Attle- 
boro', Mass., Feb. 2, 1786; d. in Farmington, Mar. 28, 
1878. Capt. Stewart d. Nov. 26, 1848. P^leven chil- 
dren : — 

I. Sophia Augusta, b. Nov. 4, 1800; md., Dec. 7, 

1818, Charles Davis, q. v.; d. Mar. 31, 1858. 
II. William Henry, b. May 30, 1802 ; d. Sept. 15, 
1804. 

III. William Henry, b. Dec. 19, 1804; md., Oct. 8, 

1842, Hannah Rodbert ; md. (2), Oct. 27, 
i86t, Mary Ann Phelps; s. p. 

IV. *Frcderic Vassal, b. Nov. 25, 1806. 

V. * Alexander Hamilton, b. July 19, 1808. 
VI. * John Church, b. June 30, 18 10. 



578 



HISTORY OF FARMIMGTON: 



i6 

18 
19 



23 

(4) 



24 
25 

26 

27 

28 
29 



vir. Alarcia Marchant^ b. July 7, 18 13 ; nid., Aug. 24, 
1846, George R. Stanley, who d. Dec. 21, 
1869, aged 50 years. 4 chil. 
VIII. Zeruah Fletcher, b. Nov. 23, 1815 ; md., Apr. 28, 
1842, Abel, son of Abel and Martha K. 
(White) Sampson of Temple ; d. Apr. 12, 
1878. 4 chil. 
IX. Margaret Stoyell, b. Mar. 15, 18 18; d. Mar. 12, 

1831. 
X. David Church, b. Dec. 25, 18 19; d. Oct. 21, 
1837- 
Second marriage : 

XI. Catherine Pond, b. Oct. 21, 1825; md., June 6, 
1850, Leonard Keith {vide page 304), who d. 
Jan. 22, 1866. 3 chil. : 

1. Charles Leonard Keith, b. Mar. 21, 

185 I ; md., Oct. 14, 1874, Eva Smith, 
b. Nov. 26, 1855. He resides in 
Princeton, Minn., and is Judge of 
Probate for Mille Lac County. i 
child. 

2. Arthur Clarence Keith, b. Oct. 17, 1856. 

3. Minnietta Keith, b. Dec. 14, 1858. 



Daniel Stewart was a cabinet-maker by trade, and 
lived at North Farmington. He md., Aug. 20, 18 12, Mrs. 
Delight, widow of Jason D. Cony and dau. of John Church, 
q. v., who d. Oct. 23, 1834. He d. Oct., 1827. Six chil- 
dren : — 

I. Arabella Delight, b. May 28, 1813; d. Sept., 

1834. 
II. Charles Ferdinand, b. Jan. 27, 1815 ; md., Sept. 
23, 1841, Sarah Heald. He resided in Con- 
cord, N. H., and was respected for his integrity 
and sterling Christian virtues. He d. Oct. 14, 
1879, leaving two daughters. 

III. Susan Johnso7i Cony, b. Mar. 25, 1817 ; md., June 

2, 1842, Franklin Tinkham, son of Columbus 
and Lydia W. (Tinkham) Fairbanks of Win- 
throp, who was b. Oct. 21, 18 18. She d. in 
Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 29, 1865. 6 chil. 

IV. Datiiel Adolphus, b. Feb. 25, 18 19; d. Nov. 12, 

1849. 
V. Mary Marchant, b. Jan. 16, 1822 ; d. young. 
VI. Daniel, b. Jan. i, 1828; md., Jan. 17, 1855, 
Marena, dau. of John and Mary Pearce. Is 
by occupation a carpenter, and lives at Galena, 
111. 8 chil. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



579 



Frederic V. Stewart early in life entered the store of 
Nathan Bachelder at Hallowell as clerk, and acquired a 
thorough knowledge of mercantile business. About 1827 
he went into trade in the town of Windsor, where he 
remained until 1831. He next removed to Vienna, and 
thence to Farmington, and in 1834 became proprietor of 
extensive stage-lines, being for many years one of the 
largest mail-contractors in the State. He owned the line 
from Farmington to Augusta for a period of thirty-two 
years, which, under his supervision and management, 
became one of the best as well as one of the most lucra- 
tive in the State. Mr. Stewart was elected sheriff of 
Franklin County in 1859, holding this oflfice for two terms. 
June 9, 1862, he was appointed assistant quartermaster of 
volunteers with the rank of captain, and at once repaired 
to headquarters at New Orleans. In the autumn of 1863 
he returned to Farmington, where he still resides. He 
md. Pamela Smith, dau. of Winthrop Butler, q. v., who d. 
Feb. 4, 1849 ; he md. (2), Oct. 30, 1850, Isabella McDon- 
ald, dau. of Alexander Belcher, a prominent lawyer of 
Winthrop, and Drusilla McDonald, his wife. Eleven chil- 
dren : — 

I. Frederic Alexander, b. Apr. 24, 1829 ; md., Dec. 
27) 1853, (ieorgiana, dau. of John O. and 
Sally (Turner) Craig of Readfield ; d. May 31, 
1859. 
II. Winthrop Henry, b. Mar. 20, 1831 ; md., Nov., 
1851, L. Ellen Ta3-lor; d. Apr. 23, 1881. She d. 
in 1875. One son, Frederic, who d. June 12, 
1872, aged 20 years. 

III. Margaret Pamela, b. May 8, 1833 ; """^l-) J""e 2, 

1853, Edwin N. Stevens {vide page 304); d. 
Mar. 8, 1865. 4 chil. : 

1. Arno Bittues Stevens, b. May 29, 1854; 

d. May IS, 1875. 

2. Edwin Stewart Stevens, b. June 28, 

1856. 

3. George Lincoln Stevens, b. May ^i 

1859. 

4. Annie Margaret Stevens, b. July 18, 

1862. 
Mr. Stevens md. (2), Nov. 9, 1865, H. Adelia 
Walker, b. in Wilton, Aug. 22, 1843. He d. 
Dec. 25, 1884, I child : 

T. Nathalie Adelia Stevens, b. Oct. ii, 1874. 

IV. * Edwin Alphonso, b. May 17, 1836. 

V. Helen Marion, b. Aug. 12, 1838; d. Dec. 27, 
1856. 



58o 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



40 
42 



43 
44 



45 
46 



47 
(14) 



48 



(15) 



VI. Alonzo Palmer^ b. May 2, 1840 ; d. May 3, 1840. 
VII. ^Charles Llewellyn, b. June 12, 1841. 
VIII. Emma Elizabeth, b. March i, 1844; mcl., May 3, 
1870, Edward Sands of Lewiston ; d. April 14, 
1872. I child : 

I. Helen Margaret Sands, b. May 18, 187 1. 
IX. Augustus Butler, b. Aug. 6, 1846; d. Sept. g, 
1848. 

Second marriage : 

X. Augustus Belcher, b. Dec. 2, 1852 ; d. Feb. 7, 

1861. 
XI. Isabel Vassal, b. Dec. 27, 1854; md., June 18, 
1878, John Caldwell Baird, a member of the 
firm of Redding, Baird and Co. of Boston, 
glass manufacturers, r child : — 
I. Stewart Baird, b. Nov. 18, 1880. 



Alexander H. Stewart has followed the trade of a 
cabinet-maker, house-joiner, and painter, at the Center 
Village, tor many years. He is a man of studious mind, 
mechanical genius, and of much general information. He 
md.. May 12, 1836, Hannah R., dau. of Rev. Thomas and 
Nancy Beede, b. in Wilton, N. H., July 23, 1812, and d. in 
Farmington, July 9, 1881. One child: — 

I. Samuel Barrett, b. June g, 1839 ; graduated from 
Bowdoin College in 1857 ; for a year principal 
of the Academy at Francestown, N. H. ; grad- 
uated from the Harvard Divinity School in 
1862; ordained minister of the Unitarian 
Society, Nashua, N. H., in 1863 ; installed as 
minister of the Unitarian Society, Lynn, Mass., 
in 1865, of which society he still remains the 
pastor. He has published occasional sermons. 
He md., Dec. 17, 1863, Annie O. Bixby, b. in 
Surinam, S. A., Oct. 30, 1840. Their surviving 
children are : Edward B., Samuel B., Marion 
F., Ottolina. 



John C. Stewart has always resided in Farmington, 
and devoted his energies principally to farming. He is an 
industrious, hard-working man, and has acquired a large 
estate by farming combined with some outside specula- 
tions. The celebration of his golden wedding and a 
reunion of his family took place March 2g, 1882, and 
proved a joyous occasion ; an address was delivered by 
Rev. Albert W. Moore, and a poem by William S. Burke. 
He md., March 29, 1832, Abby Jones, dau. of James and 
Relepha (Roach) Ridgway, b. Sept. i, 181 1. Ten chil- 
dren : — 



GEATEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



5S1 



I. 
II. 



III. 



V. 
VI. 



VII. 



VIII. 



IX. 



* JoJin Elbrich^e, b. Feb. 3, i S3 3. 

Belcher Stoyell, b. Nov. 27, 1834 ; enlisted in Co. 

B, i2th Reg. Me. Vols.; md., July i, 1861, 

Malvina Hayford ; d. Oct. 16, 1870. 
Abby Ursula, b. Dec. 27, 1836; md., May 10, 

1858, Fred Forrest. 2 chil. Md, (2), Aug. 12, 

1879, William S. Burke. Now resides at Al- 

berquerque, N. M. 
Dmnd Chu7-ch, b. March x6, 1839 ; enlisted from 

Waltham. Mass., in Co. I, i8th Reg. Mass. 

Vols. ; d. at New Bridge, Va., June 21, 1862. 

* Theodore LeRoy, b. Aug. 15, 1841. 

Ella Rosabel, b. Sept. 4, 1843 i •^^'^^•> .T^n- 18, 

187 1, Edwin H. iXmbar. Resides at Alber- 

querque, N. M. 2 chil. 
Haimah Beetle, b. Jan. 25, 1846 ; md., Jan. 28, 

1873, Eugene N. Stevens of Leavenworth, 

Kansas, where they reside. 
James Hejiry, b. Feb. 28, 1848 ; d. April 20, 

1849. 
Augustus Butler, b. Aug. 18, 1850; d. Nov. ig, 

1861. 
Adelaide Isabel, b. Jan. 18, 1S53 ; md., Sept. 25, 

1883, Charles F. Smith of Portland. 



Edwin Alphonso Stewart is a painter by trade, and 
has always been a resident of Farmington. He md., Dec. 
24, 1865* Rosabell Roach, who d. May 22, 1SS3, aged 42 
years. Five children : — 



I. 

II. 
in. 

IV. 
V. 



Augustus Belcher, b. Jan. 17, 1868. 
Margaret Bosmary, b. Nov. 15, 1869. 
Frederic Vassal, b. Oct. 29, 187 1. 
Georgia/ia Craig, b. Jan. 29, 1874. 
Fanny Townsley, b. July 17, 1876. 



Charles L. Stewart, fifth son of Frederic V. Stewart, 
always resided in Farmington — at first in the Village, but 
afterwards upon the farm known as the Solomon Adams 
farm. He md., April to, 1866, Ella S. Talbot of Free- 
porl, who was b. Aug. 29, 1842. He d. at Augusta, Feb. 
II, 1885. Five children : — 



I. 

II. 



IV. 
V. 



Charles Enoch, b. June 28, 1867. 

Stanwood Talbot, b. Aug. 14, 1869. 

Emtna Isabel, b. Mar. 31, 1874; d. Sept. 17, 

1875- 
Ella Mae, ) , ^^ , „ o 
Una Ethel, ^^■^'''•'^^'^-n- 



74 



582 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(49) 



69 

70 

(53) 



71 

72 

73 
74 

75 
76 

77 



John Elbridge Stewart, eldest son of John C. Stewart, 
was in the territory of Colorado at the time of the Indian 
outbreak in 1859. He enlisted in the military organiza- 
tion raised for the purpose of suppressing that oui break, 
and served a long campaign of Indian warfare, seeing 
much hard service, and receiving an honorable discharge. 
He now resides on the homestead farm. He md., Oct. 7, 
1868, Pollen Hanaford. Two children : — 

I. Edwin Fairbanks, b. July 22, 1869. 
II. Isabel Lincoln, b. June 8, 1875. 



Theodore L. Stewart, fourth son of John C. Stewart, 
is an excellent house-joiner, and an inhabitant of the 
Center Village. He md., Nov. 3, 1864, Lydia Baldwin of 
Foxboro', Mass. Seven children : — 

I. John Baldwin, b. June 14, 1866; d. Oct. 3, 1879. 

II. Lottie, b. Sept. 30, 1868 ; d. Aug. 14, 1873. 

HI. Maud Ida, b. Sept. 26, 1870. 

IV. Oliver Fettee, b. Mar. 22, 1J575. 

V. LeRoy, b. Nov. 23, 1877. 

VI. Charlotte Baldwin, b. Dec. 14, 1879. 

vti. Carol, b. Nov. 20, 1883. 



This name is believed to be the same as Stiles and Stile. If so, this 
family may have some connection with the Stiles family of Connecticut. 
Nothing has been found regarding the ancestry of the Farmington 
family. 



Aaron Stoyell {vide page 280) was born in the State 
of Connecticut in 1767. He came to this town in the 
autumn of 1793, and that winter taught the district school 
at what is now West Farmington. The following year he 
settled at the Center Village as a physician, where the 
greater portion of his life was spent. He md., in 1795, 
Abigail Doty, dau. of Supply Belcher, q. v., who d. Jan. 18, 
1830. Dr. Stoyell d. of cholera, at Huron, O., Aug. 16, 
1834. Eight children : — 

I. Margaret Belcher, b. Feb. 26, 1796; md., Dec. 
26, 1822, Dr. Joseph Caldwell ; d. at Huron, 
O., Oct. 25, 1863. He was b. May 15, 1792; 
d. June 13, 1866. 5 chil. 
II. Abigail, b, Dec. 30, 1798; md., July 3, 182 1, 
Rosamus K., grandson of Reuben Lowell, q. v.; 
d. March 3, 1829. 5 chil. 
III. Mary Ann, b. Feb. 22, 1800; md., July i, 1823, 
Lemuel, son of Lemuel Perham, Jr., ^. v.; d. 
May 29, 1869. I child. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



583 



6 

7 

8 
9 

(8) 



10 
1 1 



13 
14 



15 



V. 



VII 
VIII. 



Aaron, b. Jan. 22, 1802 ; md., June 20, 1823, 

Elfrida Greenleaf ; d. Dec. i, 1866. 8 chil. 
George Washington, } ^_ q^^_ ^ 
John Adams, ) ^ 

John A. d. Feb. 18, 1879 i unmd. 
* Hiram Belcher, b. Oct. 11, 1806. 
Supply Belcher, b. 1809 ; d. March 19, 1827. 



Hiram B. Stoyell {vide page 300) was an active and 
accomplished merchant, beginning as a clerk in the store 
of R. K. Lowell in 182 1, and afterwards going into part- 
nership with his brother, John A. Stoyell. His later 
years were devoted to farming, and he acquired a large 
estate as the result of a long and industrious business life. 
Mr. Stoyell was appointed postmaster under President 
Harrison, was town clerk in 1836-37, selectman in 1862- 
63-64, and representative to the legislature in 1861-62. 
He md., Aug. 19, 1845, Mary, dau. of Leander Boardman, 
q. v.; d. April i, 1882. Six children: — 

I. Abigail Doty, b. July 16, 1846 ; d. Feb. 20, 1849. 

II. John Adams, b. June 6, 1848 ; md., Jan. 9, 1873, 

Maud Howard. Resides in Bismark, Dak., as 

a lawyer, and is also district attorney, i dau. 

III. Leander Boardman, b. Oct. 22, 1850 ; md., Feb. 

13, 1880, Nellie M. Ellis. 

IV. Hiram Belcher, b. April 5, 1853. 

V. Mary Adeline, b. May 18, 1857 ; md., Dec. 25, 
1876, Charles W. Stimpson of Thomaston, 
where they reside. 6 chil. 
VI. Robert Lincoln, b. Sept. 13, i860; d. Oct. i, 1861. 



No facts have been attained concerning the early history of this 
family. 



Ezra Thomas was born in New Bedford, Mass., Feb. 
10, 1765. In 1798 he removed to Farmington and settled 
upon the farm now owned by Capt. Alvan Currier, where 
he lived many years. He md., Sept. 17, 1786, Elizabeth 
Benson, who d. Aug. 5, 1834, aged 67 years. He survived 
his wife but a few months, dying at the residence of his 
son-in-law. Judge Parker, April 12, 1835. Ten children : — 

I. Judith, b. April 7, 1788; md., Jan. 22, 1807, 

Thomas Parker, q. v. ; d. June 22, 1855. 
II. Betsey, b. Sept. 28, 1789; md. William Talcott, 
and (2), West Daggett ; d. in Anson, Dec. 24, 
1878. 10 chik 



584 



HISTORY OF FARMING! ON. 



9 

lO 

1 1 



III. 



IV. 



V. 

VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 
IX. 
X. 



Sa/Zj), b. Sept. 19, 1791 ; md., Jan. i, 181 1, Eben- 

ezer Tufts, ^. v. ; d. at Mainville, O., Jan. 8, 

1866. 
Ezra, b. Feb. 3, 1794; md., April 23, 1817 (pub.). 

Reliance Collier ; d. at New Vineyard, April 

3, 1842. 
Jabez, b. Dec. 21, 1795 ; d. Sept. 20, 1797. 
Lois NdsoTi, b. Sept. 28, 1797; md., March 21, 

182 1, Moses Craig, q. v.\ d. Jan. 14, 1864. 
Isaac, b. Dec. 6, 1800; md., Nov. 5, 183 1 (pub.), 

Mary Dyer; d. Jan. 21, 1832. 
Seth, b. Jan. 26, 1805 ; d. Oct. 19, 1825. 
Liicy, b. June 8, 1806; d. Oct. 26, 1826. 
Mary, b. May 24, 1810; md., March 24, 1831, 

Rev. Ezra Winslow ; d. in New Portland, Feb. 

16, 1878, He d. July 27, 1884, aged 76 years. 



William Titcomb, the ancestor of the Titcombs in this country, 
emigrated from Newbury, Berkshire, England, in the good ship Hercules 
in 1634. He made a settlement at Quascacumquen, now Newbury, Mass. 
By occupation he was a farmer, and was made freeman in 1642. For 
several years he was selectman, and was also representative to the 
General Court in 1655. He married Joanna, daughter of Richard Bart- 
lett, and (2) Mrs. Elizabeth Stevens, and was the father of thirteen chil- 
dren, seven by first and six by second marriage. His sixth child, Fenn- 
el, a prominent citizen of Newbury, married, Jan. 8, 1684, Lydia, daughter 
of John Poore of Newbury, and died Feb. 18, 1718. Joseph Titcomb, 
the youngest of Penuel's six children, was born July 27, 1700; married 
Sarah, daughter of John Batchelder of Reading, and died in 1722. The 
youngest of his two children was Stephen, who was born Dec. 27, 1721, 
and who removed to Kennebunk, Me., where he became a prominent 
citizen and an active member of the Congregational Church. He married 
Abigail Stone, and died May 23, 181 5. 



Stephen Titcomb, the third of the seven children of 
Stephen and Abigail (Stone) Titcomb, was born in Ken- 
nebunk, Oct. 3, 1752. He came to Topsham when a 
young man, and there married, in 1776, f^lizabeth, daugh- 
ter of James and Hannah Henry. The same year he 
began his explorations in the valley of the Sandy River, as 
has been fully described in the body of this work. Be- 
tween the years 1776 and 1780, Mr. Titcomb came every 
season to the township, cut down the trees on the lot he 
had diawn in the mutual distribution of land between the 
explorers (No. 41, east sidej, cleared and prepared about 
six acres for corn and potatoes, and built him a log-house, 
the first on the river. In 1780, having raised good crops, 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 585 

he bushed out a rude sled-road to Winthrop with the 
assistance of the other pioneers, and returned to Topsham 
for the purpose of bringing his family to the township. 
He procured meal and flour and other provisions to last 
him until harvest-time the ensuing year ; and about Dec. 
20, 1780, he began his perilous journey of seventy miles 
with a yoke of oxen and sled heavily loaded. Accompa- 
nying him was his wife's brother, who drove a horse-sled 
laden with beds and furniture, and bearing Mrs. Titcomb 
and two children, the youngest being scarcely five weeks 
old. A boy was also employed to drive in the three cows. 
The journey was slow and wearisome, but at last they 
reached the last habitation on the route, a log-hut near 
where Readfield Corner now is, owned and occupied by 
Constant Norton. Here a violent snowstorm set in, com- 
pletely blocking the way, and here for four months Mrs. 
Titcomb was obliged to stay with the scantiest of accom- 
modations, in a small log-hut, with a family destitute of 
the necessities of life. 

Mr. Titcomb went through the woods on snow-shoes 
several times with a hand-sled loaded with provisions and 
necessary utensils, and remained at Sandy River alone 
during a part of the winter and the sugar-season in the 
spring, making a store of syrup and sugar for his family. 
As soon as the snow had disappeared sufftciently to admit 
of passing, he returned to Readfield for his family. It 
was doubtless Mr. Titcomb's intention and ambition to be 
the first permanent settler in the valley, but the blockade 
prevented the execution of the plan. While on his way to 
Readfield he met Joseph Brown and Nathaniel Davis with 
their wives on hand-sleds coming in. No houses, how- 
ever, were prepared for the reception of these families, 
and they occupied hunters' camps until a log-house could 
be put up. A few days after Brown and Davis arrived, 
Mrs. Titcomb and the children on pack-horses, escorted 
by Samuel Titcomb, a brother, left their winter-quarters for 
their new home in the wilderness. The journey was made 
at the peril of their lives. They forded streams and swam 
their horses over the river, while they ferried themselves 
in a log-canoe, but, protected by a merciful Providence, all 
arrived safe. 

Mr. Allen, the son-in-law of Mr. Titcomb, to whom the 
writer is indebted for many of the facts of this sketch, 
relates that " when they started on their journey, Mrs. 
Titcomb's father admonished her of the perils of the way, 
and with tears told her, 'The child will die before you get 
there. Carry a spade to dig a grave for the poor thing.' 
Mrs. Titcomb replied that she had considered the matter, 
and was not only willing but anxious to go. ' I have put 
my trust in God, and though I walk through the valley of 



586 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.' She was so 
rejoiced at her safe arrival and the pleasant appearance of 
everything that she could but adopt the language of the 
whole of the Twenty-third Psalm, which was her solace 
ever after; and she often said even in her old age that 
every word of it proved true in her case. She never suf- 
fered for food or clothing, or in any other way; lived to 
the age of ninety-two, and died at the house on the farm 
where she had lived." The little child lived also to attain 
the age of seventy-nine, and was the mother of a noble 
family. 

The lot which Mr. Titcomb selected proved to be 
among the best on the river, and his family at once found 
a comfortable home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Titcomb had 
been accustomed to the comforts of life, and many of 
these comforts they brought with them, and, while sharing 
with the early settlers many of the privations incident to 
pioneer life, were soon in comfortable and even affluent 
circumstances. The first year especially was a year of 
hardship. While the family was detained at Readfield, 
the bears broke into the corn-crib and destroyed the corn. 
They were thus rendered short of provisions, and until 
green corn was fit for plucking, and new potatoes ready to 
be dug, the table-fare was scanty. Mr. Titcomb built his 
first framed barn in 1785, and built a commodious house 
in 1788 which is still standing, and the oldest house but 
one now in existence in the town. He was a man of 
industrious and frugal habits, of a mild and benevolent 
disposition, and thoroughly respected by his contempora- 
ries. In many respects Mr. Titcomb was a model farmer. 
His farm was always kept in good order, and he made his 
surroundings pleasant to the eye. He was eminently 
thrifty, and acquired not only a competency but a consid- 
erable fortune for the times in which he lived. His wife 
was in every way a helpmeet for him, and the labor of her 
hands and brain contributed in no small degree to his 
success. His large family was brought up to respect the 
virtues that made their parents honored, and few families 
have better maintained to the third and fourth generations 
the sturdy virtues of their ancestors. 

In religious faith Mr. Titcomb was a Methodist, and the 
first religious service in the township was held in his log- 
house by the Rev. Mr. Emerson, who, at Mrs. Titcomb's 
request, came to baptize the first child born in this un- 
broken wilderness. In the building of the first meeting- 
house, in 1799, Mr. Titcomb was foremost, and with Mr. 
Jonathan Knowlton bore a large share of the labor and 
expense. He had the honor to represent the town in 
General Court in 1800, and served as selectman in 18 15 
and 1816. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 587 

Mrs. Titcomb died Nov. 6, 1839, having passed the 
age of ninety, being born in Johnston, R. I., Aug. ig, 
1749, O. S. The following year Mr. Titcomb sold his 
farm, removed to the village, and there lived with his two 
daughters, Lydia and Nancy, to the advanced age of nine- 
ty-five years, dying on Christmas-day, 1847. I-ight chil- 
dren : — 

I. * Joseph, b. in Topsham, Dec. 18, 1776. 
11. Henry, b. in Topsham, Dec. 20, 1778. He first 
settled on the farm now owned by Virgil L. 
Craig, but soon removed to the village, although 
continuing to cultivate the soil. He built a 
potash-factory, and was also engaged in the 
manufacturing of lime, and by judicious invest- 
ment in real estate in and about the village 
amassed a comfortable fortune. He md.. Mar. 
8, 18 13 (pub.), Ann Kuckininster, dau. of Rev. 
Timothy and Sarah (Williams) Fuller, who d. 
fan. 22, 1859. Mr. Titcomb d. Aug. 19, 1864; 
's.p. 

III. Hannah, b. in Topsham, Nov. 15, 1780; md., Sept. 

3, 1807, William, son of William Allen, q. v. ; 
d. March 26, 1859. 

IV. * Stephen, b. in Farmington, Nov. 14, 1782. 

V. Lydia, b. May 26, 1785; d. March 31, iSSi ; 

unmd. 
VI. Nancy, b. May 24, 1787 ; d. Feb. 28, 1S57 ; unmd. 
vir. Betsey, b. April 25, 1789; md., May 13, x8o6, 

Samuel Belcher, q. v. ; d. July 31, 1813. 
VIII. * John, b. Feb. 24, 1794. 

Joseph Titcomb {vide page 297) was educated at 
Hallowell Academy, and began life as a merchant. In 
1820 he retired to the farm now occupied by his son 
John. Upon this farm he- lived for the remainder of lite. 
Soon after the formation of the Congregational Church he 
connected himself with it, and was, during the rest of his 
life, one of its most constant supporters. Mr. Titcomb 
served the town as treasurer lor seven years, from 1822 to 
1828. He md., Dec. 13, 1808, Mehitable, dau. of Supply 
Belcher, q. v., a woman of great amiability and worth of 
character. She d. Feb. 16, 1838. He d. March 21, 1858. 
Six children : — 

I. * Stephen, b. Sept. 16, 1809. 

II. * Henry Belcher, b. Aug. 6, 18 11. 

III. *Johfi, b. July 2, 18 13. 

IV. * Joseph, b. May 25, 1816. 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



14 

(5) 



16 



17 



19 



(9) 



22 
23 



V. Benjamin More, b. Oct. 16, 1818; d. Aug. 3, 

1838. 
VI. ^Hiram Belcher, b. Aug. 27, 1822. 



Stephen Titcomb, Jr., was the first child born of 
f^nglish-speaking parents in the township. He settled on 
back-lot No. 22, on the east side of the river, which was 
his home for life. Mr. Titcomb was a man universally 
beloved for his many amiable qualities, and his early death 
(Sept. 27, 1830), was much regretted. He md., June 15, 
18 15, Nancy Haines of Readfield, who survived him and 
afterwards became the wife of William Cothren, q. v. 
Four children : — 

I. Augustus Haines, b. Sept. 2, 1816; graduated at 
Eowdoin College in 1839 5 ^- March 22, 1842. 
II. Charles, b. May 22, 1818 ; d. Aug. 20, 1818. 
in. ^ Lewis Henry, b. May 3, 182 1. 
IV. Albert, b. March 15, 1823; served as a volunteer 
soldier in the War of the Rebellion in Com- 
pany B, 28th Reg. Me. Vols. ; unmd. 



John Titcomb {vide page 299) was educated at Farm- 

ington Academy, and for some years was a private tutor 
in the family of Robert Hallowell Gardiner of Gardiner. 
Mr. Titcomb early embraced the doctrines of the Abolition 
party, which he maintained through evil and good report 
to the close of his life. He was also foremost in tempe- 
rance reform ; was among the first to advocate total 
abstinence as a rule of life, and was prominent in all the 
temperance work of his day. He was chosen secretary 
of the first Agricultural Society in 1840, and did much to 
place this society upon a permanent basis. In religious 
belief Mr. Titcomb was a Congregationalist, and was an 
active member of that church for many years. He md., 
Feb. 19, 1827, Lydia, dau. of Benjamin and Phebe (Abbot) 
Abbot of Tenjple. She was b. Feb. 19, 1805, and received 
a thorough education, being at one time preceptress of the 
Farmington Academy. Mr. Titcomb d. Oct. i, 1861 ; his 
wife d. Dec. 2G, 1883. Four children : — 

I. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 28, 1828; graduated at Mt. 
Holyoke Seminary in 1850 ; taught there for 
three years, and md., Sept. 21, 1853, Benjamin 
V. Abbott, q. v. 
II. Mary, b. Dec. 9, 1830; graduated at Mt. Holyoke 
Seminary in 1850; taught there many years, 
and was afterwards connected with the house 
of Harper and Bros. 

III. * John Abbott, b. Oct. 27, 1832. 

IV. Charles, b. Oct .22, 1835 ; graduated at Bowdoin 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



589 



College in 1855 ; was a private tutor for a year 
in New York, and studied law. He was ad- 
mitted to the New York bar, and took his 
second degree at Bowdoin in 1858, delivering 
on that occasion a valedictory address that 
was pronounced a model of classical Latin. 
His contributions both of prose and verse to 
various periodicals were numerous, and showed 
marked talent. He d. Sept. 4, 1859 ! unmd. 



Stephen Titcomb, eldest son of Joseph Titcomb, fitted 
for Bowdoin College at the Academy, and after his gradu- 
ation, in 1836, studied law in the office of Hon. Hiram 
Belcher. He was admitted to the bar in 1839, and com- 
menced practice at East Wilton. Deciding, however, to 
abandon the profession of law for that of the minisrry, he 
entered Bangor Theological Seminary, where he graduated 
in 1854. Mr. Titcomb was ordained June 6, 1855, and 
became pastor of the church in Weld. His last years 
were passed in Farmington, where he enjoyed the fullest 
confidence and respect of all who knew him. He md., 
June 20, 1839, Apphia Hobbs, dau. of James and Tempe- 
rance V. (Hobbs) Stanley, who was b. Sept. 18, 18 17, and 
d, Dec. 12, 1843. ^^^ """(^l- (2), June 14, 1S55. Harriet, 
dau. of Rev. Manning and Harriet C. Ellis, who was b. in 
Brooksville, June 8, 1833, and d. Nov. 13, 1882. Mr. 
Titcomb d. Jan. 22, 1884. Seven children : — 

I. Helen Elvira, b. May 10, 1841 ; d. Sept. i, 1842. 

Second marriage : 

II. Apphia Stanlew b. Aug. 10, 1S56; d. Feb. 10, 
1858. 

III. Manning Ellis, b. Jan. 19, 1859; ''"<^'-) F^^- 5? 

18S5, Mae E. Jones of Stark. 

IV. Sarah E/iilena, b. Nov. 8, 1860 ; graduated at the 

Normal School in 1881. 
v. Ella Erances, b. Jan. 13, 1863 ; graduated at the 

Normal School in 1884. 
VI. Joseph Stephen, b. Jan. 27, 1866. 
vii. William Albert, b. July 22, 1867. 

Henry B. Titcomb settled as a farmer on a part of the 
old homestead, where he made his home for life. He 
served the town as selectman in 1857-58, and was a man 
much respected for his amiable character. He md., Dec. 
28, 1837, Hannah, dau. of Rufus Allen, q. v., who still 
survives. His death occurred Nov. 16, 1861. One 
child : — 



75 



590 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



31 



(12) 



32 



34 

35 



36 
37 
38 
39 

(13) 



40 
41 



42 



Be/ijamm More, b. Aug. 30, 1840. In connection 
with his uncle, John Titcomb, he has made the 
manufacture of maple-candy an imporlant part 
of his business, and in this has been very 
successful. He also carries on the farm left 
him by his father. He md., Feb. 27, 1873, 
Sarah A. Bixby of Norridgewock. 3 chil., d. 
in infancy. 



John Titcomb, 2D, settled upon a part of the homestead 
farm, where he still resides. Mr. Titcomb has been a 
deacon in the Congregational Church since 1859, and is a 
man much respected for the sterling worth of his charac- 
ter. He md., June 3, 185 1, Catharine Clifford, dau. of 
Rev. Thomas and Deborah (Allen) Merrill. She was b. 
in Prospect, Oct. 23, 1820, and was a woman noted for the 
strength and nobility of her Christian character. After a 
sickness protracted for many years, she d., July 11, 18S1. 
Six children : — 

I, Afehitable, b. Sept. 27, 1S52 ; received a thorough 
education at the May School and Vassar Col- 
lege ; taught school for a number of years at 
Wayland, Mass., and at Little IJlue School, 
Fannington ; md., Nov. 27, 1878, Lewis T. 
Wade. 2 chil. : 

1. Florence Clara Wade, b. May 7, 1881. 

2. Maurice John Wade, b. Feb. 27, 1S83. 

II. Arthur, b. Dec. 22, 1853; fitted for college at 
May School and Kent's Hill, and enteretl 
Wesleyan University, graduating in 1884, 

III. Caroline Wakott, b. Apr. 20, 1856. 

IV. Katharitie Merrill, b. Sept. 28, 1857. 
v. Walter John, b. Mar. 7, 1859. 

VI. Henry Edgar, b. Aug. 6, 1S60; d. Jan. 19, 1862. 



Joseph Titcomb, like his brothers, is a farmer, and is a 
man sincerely respected for the worth of his character. 
He md., Nov. 26, 1844, Flizabeth Eaton, dau. of Thomas 
Wendell, Jr., q. v.; (2), Sept. 20, 1854, Lois Nelson, dau. 
of Moses Craig, q. v. Five children : — 

I. * Hiram, b. Aug. 2, 1846. 
II. Infant son, b. Mar. 3, 1S49; d. Mar. 13, 1849. 

Second marriage : 

III. William, b. Oct. 25, 1855 ; d. Oct. 26, 1856. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



591 



IV. Elizabeth Wendell, b. Sept. 21, 1857; graduated 
from the Normal School in 1879 ; '^'^•> U'ne 
25, 1885, William D. Gray of Middleiield, 
Conn. 
V. Henry Augustus, b. Jan. 14, 1862. 

Hiram B. Titcomb left Farmington in 1846, and went 
to Memphis, Tenn., where he engaged in the telegraph 
business. In 1849 he removed to Columbia, Tenn., where 
he had charge of the Lelegraph-ofifice until 1854, when he 
abandoned the business and went into the drug-trade, 
which he still continues. Mr. Titcomb has been three 
times married : Oct. 2, 1855, ^'^ Chloe M. Ewing, b. Jan. 
31, 1833, d. Aug. 18. 1856; (2), May 29, i860, to Martha 
E, Gordon, b. in Columbia, Tenn., May 5, 1838, d. Oct. 
17, i860; (3), Dec. 13, 1870, to Elizabeth R. Martin, b. in 
Richmond, Va., Oct. 15, 1832, d. Mar. 26, 1883. One 
child : — 

I. * Joseph Alexander, b. Aug. 10, 1856. 



Lewis H. Titcomb, during a portion of his business 
career, made his home in Augusta, where he was success- 
ful as a druggist. He md., C3ct. 6, 1846, Julia M., dau. of 
Gen. Samuel G. and Caroline Vinal Ladd, who was b. 
.A.ug. 16, 1824, and d. Jan. 21, 1882. He d. at Ashley, 
Penn., Dec. 27, 1882. One child: — 

I. Alice^ b. Apr. 9, 1849 ! "'"^•' O^^. 28, 1875, William 
B. narrower of Wilkesbarre, Penn., who d. 
Dec. 18. 188^. 2 chil. 



John Abbot Titcomb fitted for college at the Farming- 
ton Academy, and entered Bowdoin College, but owing to 
his health did not continue the course. He adopted a 
business life, and has been in business in Portland and 
New York, He md., in Brooklyn, N. Y., Dec. 7, 1869, 
Virginia Chandler. Three children, born in firooklyn : — 

I. Charles Chandler, b. Mar. 10, 187 i. 
II. Harold Abbott, b. Apr. 26, 1874. 
III. Leila White, b. Dec. 19, 1876. 



Hiram Titcomb was educated at the Farmington Nor- 
mal School. He is at present engaged in the business of 
canning corn, in which he is successful. He served on 
the school committee from 1874 to 1879. Mr. Titcomb 
md., Apr. 5, 1875, H. Jennie Gould, who was b. in New 
Portland, May 30, 1853. Three children: — 

I. Grace, b. Dec. 23, 1877. 
II. Olive Emery, b. Sept. 8, 1881. 
III. Erank Elmer, b. Mar. 17, 1884. 



592 
(45) 



53 
54 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Joseph Alexander Titcomb graduated at Davidson 
College, N. C, in 1876; studied pharmacy in the Philadel- 
phia College of Pharmacy, and is now a druggist in Colum- 
bia, Tenn. He md., Aug. 10, 1881, Lucy Smiser. Two 
children : — 

I. Chloe Page, b. Nov. 13, 1882 ; d. Nov. 24, 1882. 
II. Hiram Belcher, b. July 5, 1884. 



Henry True was at Salem, Mass., as early as 1644. The name is not 
common, and he was without doubt the ancestor of Zebulon True, con- 
cerning whose history nothing has been ascertained previous to his 
comins: to Farmington. 



Zebulon True, son of William True of Yarmouth, was a 
contemporary settler with Supply Belcher and John Church. 
He came from Augusta in 1791, and settled upon a portion 
of back-lot No. 18, west side (owned by George J. Perkins). 
Within a few years of his settlement he sold his farm to 
Job Brooks, and removed to Temple, where he made a 
permanent residence. He was b. May 21, 1765 ; d. Feb. 
4, 1830. His wife, Martha Kannady, was b. in Ireland, 
Oct. 26, 1770; d. Feb. 9, 1858. Twelve children : — 

I. William, b. April 12, 1789; md., Feb. 4, 1813,- 
Hannah Abbot Russell, b. May 4, 1794, and 
d. Mar. 16, 1838. 7 chil. He md. (2), Mar. 
19, 1839, Elizabeth P. Haskell of Wilton; d. 
May 9, 1865; she d. Dec. 7, 1880, aged 81 
years, i child. His son William, who was b. 
June 10, 1815, is a respected citizen of Farm- 
ington. He md., March 28, 1839, Mary, dau. 
of Samuel and Mary (Sprague) Smith, who was 
b. Dec. 9, 1815 ; s. p. 
II. Betsey, b. April 17, 1791; md. David Howard; d. 
in Weld, Dec. 31, 1S58. 9 chil. 

Zebulon, \ , -, 

J/«rW,p-J""^^4, 1793- 

Zebulon md. Sophronia Haskell; d. March 13, 
1870. 8 chil 

Martha md. Thomas Russell ; d. in Worcester, 
Mass., Feb. 25, 1873. 11 chil. 
Folly, b. June 24, 1795; md. John Will; d. in 

Avon, March 20, 1853. 2 chil. 
Sally, b. March 25, 1798 ; md. Joel Hobart ; d. at 

Fast Douglass, Oct. 13, 1854. 4 chil. 
James Kannady, b. Sept. 27, 1801 ; md. Dorothy 

Webster. 2 chil. He md. (2), Martha F. 

Baker. Resides in Parkersburg, la. 6 chil. 



III. 

IV. 



VI. 



VII. 



GEiVEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



593 



9 


VIII. 


Josiah Leach, b. April 27, 1804; md. Sophia 
Doyen ; d. in Temple, Sept. 16, 1872 ; s. p. 


lO 


IX. 


John, b. June 2, 1806; md. Susan Howard; d. 
March. 1874; she d. in 1868. 5 chil. 


II 


X. 


Thomas Jefferson, b. Sept. i, 1808 ; md, Elizabeth 
Duncan. Resides in North Yarmouth. 6 
chil. 


12 


XI. 


Roxsilatiy, b. March 21, 1812 ; md. Edward Bates: 
d. June II, 1885. 5 chil. 


13 


XII. 


Jacob Bradbury, b. June 8, 18 15 ; was twice md. ; 
d. in Massachusetts. 7 chil. 



Lemuel and Samuel Tuck, sons of Andrew Tuck, came from North 
Yarmouth to Farmington, the former in 1803, and the latter in 1S05. The 
information concerning Lemuel Tuck's family is meager. He was born 
probably at Gloucester, Mass., in 1744; married Susanna Fellows, who 
died April 19, 1828, aged seventy-nine. They were the parents of eight 
children, Jeremiah, Sarah, David, Samuel, Hannah, Daniel, William, and 
Lyrlia. Sarah married Nathan Mann; Hannah married Joseph Russell, 
q-v.\ L\clia married Frederick Ballard. Daniel will be noticed below. 
Lemuel Tuck died Feb. 19, 1S42, at the advanced age of ninety-eight. 



Samuel Tuck was born in 1760, at what is now Glou- 
cester, Mass. He first settled in North Yarmouth, from 
whence he removed to Farmington in 1S05, and purchased 
of Gershom Collier the farm on Porter's Hill now owned 
by William T. Ballard. He md., Sept., 1782, Mary Baird ; 
d. April 25, 1841. His wife d. Sept. 20, 1843. Eleven 
children : — 



9 

10 



I. 

II. 

III. 



V. 
VI. 



VII. 



VIII. 



'^ John, b. Oct. 13, 1783. 

Mary, b, Sept. 10, 1785 ; d. July 22, 1843 ; unmd. 
Safnnel, b. Oct. 19, 1787 ; md. Mercy Lincoln; d. 

Oct. 21, 1867 ; she d. Feb. 2, 1875. 
Joseph, b. Sept. 3, 1789; md. Annie Richmond; 

d. Dec. 10, 1867. He was the father of Dr. C. 

D. Tuck, formerly a druggist at the Center 

Village. 
Enos, b. Feb. 8, 1792 ; d. in Louisiana. 
Jere?niah, b. May 8, 1794; md. Charlotte Walker, 

who d. Feb., 1875. Settled in Phillips. He 

d. May 6, 1863, by the hand of Jesse Wright. 
James, b. July 23, 1796; md. Rachel Carvill ; d. 

March 28, 1864; she d. July 7, 1868. 
Josiah, b. June 19, 1799; d. in Illinois, March, 

1875- 
William, b. Jan. 25, 1802 ; md., Jan. 18, 1830, 
Eliza Grant ; d. Oct. 18, 1872. 



594 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



II 

12 



(2) 



13 
14 

16 

17 

18 

(14) 



19 



23 

24 

25 



X. George, 1 1 M S 

n. Washington, \ ' ' ^' '" 

Washington was killed in the war with the 
Seminole Indians. 



XI 



John Tuck, an industrious farmer, respected for his 
honesty and integrity, settled upon Porter's Hill, where 
his life was spent. He md., Sept., 1810, Elizabeth Todd 
of Pembroke, N. H. ; d. June, 1832 ; she d. March, 1840. 
Six children : — 

I. Eliza Caroline, b. May 21, 1812; md., Oct. 19, 

1835, Daniel Stanley, q. v.\ d. Feb. 11, 1851. 
II. * Andrew Todd, b. July 17, 1814. 

III. Lucy dishing, b. Nov. 22, 1817 ; md., Oct. 27, 

1842, Henry Clark. Resides at Topeka, Kan. 
2 chil. 

IV. John Wainwright, b. May 19, 182 1; md., 1846, 

Sylvia Wing; d. March, 1870; s. p. 
V. Fhebe Emery, b. June 20, 1825 ; md., Sept., 1850, 

Joseph Omey ; d. March, 1867. 2 chil. 
VI. Levi Lincoln, b. March, 1829 ; d. Sept., 1835. 

Andrew T. Tuck succeeded to the homestead farm, 
but subsequently removed to the Center Village, where he 
has been much employed in town business, — as treasurer, 
constable, and collector of taxes. He was also deputy 
sheriff, and from 1869 to 187 1, sheriff. He md., Dec. 10, 
1842, Evelina, dau. of John and Nancy (Cooper) Jewett, 
b. July 17, 1819. Two children : — 

I. Eva Lna, b. June 30, 1850; md., Oct. 26, 1880, 
Russell S. Haynes of Norridgewock ; d. Feb. 
20, 1882. 

II. Joh7i Andrew, b. Sept. 18, 1855 ; graduated from 

Iowa State University in 18S3 ; md., Aug. 7, 
1883, Mary P. Templin of Iowa City, la. 
Resides in Middletown, Ct. 



Daniel Tuck settled on a part of back-lot No. 15, west 
side, where he spent his life as a farmer. He was b. at 
North Yarmouth, May 2, 1786; md., March 6, 1812, 
Marcy Pratt of North Yarmouth; d. Feb. 8, 1869. She 
was b. at Freeport, April 3, 1785 ; d. Dec. 12, 187 1. Six 
children : — 

I. Joseph Fellows, b. Feb. 24, 18 13 ; unmd. Lives 
in Temple. 
* Daniel Cory do?i, b. April i r, 1814. 
Mary Mitchell, b. Sept. 28, 1815 ; md., Feb. 25, 

1838, George Mosher. 3 chil. 
Lydia Ann, b. April 7, 1818 ; unmd. 



II. 
III. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



595 



26 



(23) 



27 



Sarah Pratt, b. Aug. 8, 1823 ; md. Crocker W. 
Sampson ; md. (2), May 7, 1849, William T. 
Brackley. Resides in Avon; s.p. 



Daniel Corydon Tuck is a stair-builder and farmer, 
residing on the homestead, near Porter's Hill. He md., 
April 9, 1855, Elizabeth T. Crane. One child : — 



I. Sadie Miriam, b. May 24, 1865. 



The family of Tufts has been prominent in Massachusetts since the 
early settlement of the country. .A.11 bearing this name spring from a 
common ancestor, Peter Tufts, who was born in England in 161 7, and 
emigrated to New England about 1638. Although the place from which 
he came is not detinitely known, it seems probable that his early home 
was in Essex County, England, for a little town of Tufts is situated near 
Maiden in that county; and tlie fact that he gave the name to Maiden, 
Mass., where he settled, would tend to prove that he came from that vicin- 
ity. Peter Tufts married Mary Pierce, and had nine children. Their third 
child, John Tufts, was born in Maiden in 1665; married Mary Putnam, 
and died in 1728. Benjamin, the fifth child of John and Mary (Putnam) 
Tufts, was born in 1699, and was twice married: first to Mary Hutchin- 
son, by whom he had six children ; and second to Plannah Turner, who 
was the mother of four children. He died in 1774. Hutchinson Tufts, 
the youngest child of Benjamin and Mary Tufts, was the father of Josiah 
Tufts, q. V. Francis Tufts was the oldest child of Benjamin by his 
second marriage with Hannah Turner. 



Francis Tufts was born in Medford, Mass., July 21, 
1744. He married, Nov. 26, 1767, Sarah, second daughter 
of Ebenezer Blunt, q. v., and removed, together with 
several other Massachusetts families, to Nobleboro, in 
this State, in 1775. In 1780 he came to Farmington for 
the purpose of exploration. Leaving his horse at Mr. 
Emerson's, the farm now known as the Ingham farm in 
Mt. Vernon, he pursued a \)-ax\\ by compass through the 
woods, and struck the Wilson Stream near the present site 
of the VVhittier bridge. From this point he proceeded up 
the river as far as Strong, and finally purchased of one 
Knights his right in river-lot No. 45, east side. Upon this 
farm he built a comfortable 'log-house and made other 
improvements up \o 1783, when he moved his family to 
the township. The journey from Damariscotta occupied 
four days. His children were brought on horseback in 
hanyards made of basket-stuff. From Mt. Vernon the 
road followed a S])otted line. 

Mr. Tufts soon became one of the most prominent and 



596 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



wealthy men in the township. His farm proved one of 
the best upon the river, and under his cultivation was very 
productive. He cut the first P>nglish hay, although the 
first grain was raised upon the neighboring farm of Stephen 
Titcomb. In addition to his work as a farmer, Mr. Tufts 
built the first mills at Farmington Falls in 1788, which he 
conducted for some years in company with Ebenezer 
Jones, and also built the first grist-mill in Phillips, at the 
Lower Village. In 1791 he built a framed house upon the 
interval, and in 1810 erected the substantial brick mansion 
now occupied by the heirs of Peter W. Manter. In 1790 
Mr. Tufts went to Boston in company with Samuel Butter- 
lield to negotiate for the purchase of the township, and 
with Mr. Butterfield and Dummer Sewall of Bath con- 
cluded the trade which made him one of the proprietors of 
the town. He lived upon the farm he first took up until 
1823, when he sold to Benjamin Butler, Jr., and removed 
to the Peter Gay lot in the upper part ot the town, where 
he made his home until advancing years compelled him to 
relinquish active pursuits. Subsequently he lived with his 
son Ebenezer near the old homestead, but upon the death 
of his wife he removed to Ohio in 183 1, where he lived 
with his son Benjamin at Mainville until his death, Oct. 2, 

Accompanying the family of Mr. Tufts to the township 
was a negro-servant by the name of Cffisar. He had been 
a slave in the Tufts family under the law of Massachusetts 
previous to the adoption of the Constitution, and was so 
thoroughly attached to the family that, like many others, 
he preferred his old servitude to his newly-acquired free- 
dom. Ccesar was of pure African blood, of a gentle and 
faithful disposition, very religious, and warm in his affec- 
tion for his master and the children. He was an old man 
when he came here, and lived for many years after his 
usefulness was past, decrepit and infirm, but well cared for 
by the family. He was killed by a falling tree in the 
autumn of 1817. Caesar was without doubt the first Afri- 
can who came to Farmington. 

In religious faith Mr. Tufts was a Free-Will Baptist, and 
was one of the original members of that church in this 
town. He was made ruling elder and deacon, and was 
also a local lay-preacher of some note. 

Mr. Tufts married for his second wife Mrs. Lydia, widow 
of Benjamin Blackstone, and dan. of P^benezer Blunt, q. v., 
who d. May, 1830. Nine children : — 

I. * Francis, b. in Medford, Mass., May 5, 1769. 
II. John, b. in Medford, May 11, 1773; md.. Mar. 
14, 1797, Prudence Parker; d. at Aurora, Ind., 
July 2, 1849. Several chil. 



GEATEALOGICAL REGISTER. S97 

III. ^Benjamin, b. (probably) in Medford, Feb. 3, 1777. 

IV. Josiah, b. (probably) in Damariscotta, Apr. 12, 

1780; md., Jan. 22, 1803 (pub.), Jane Greeley. 
Settled in Phillips, and moved to Mainville, 
O., in 1817; d. r3ec. 12, 1841. 2 chil, 
V. Sarah, b. Apr. 12, 1783; md., Dec. 12, 1805, 
Jonathan Hopkinson ; d. at Lebanon, O., Aug. 
22, 1856. 
VI. Hannah, was drowned when nine years old in 

crossing a brook on her father's farm. 
VII. Ebenezer, b. Aug. 12, 1787; md., Jan. i, 1811, 
Sally, dau. of Ezra Thomas, q. v.\ d. Mar. 7, 
1873. He settled upon lot No. 46, the farm 
next his father's, and removed to Mainville, 
O., in 1835. 

Second marriage : 

VIII. Samuel, b. in 1792; md., Oct. 31, 1811, Mary 
Baker; md. (2), Nov. 26, 183 1 (pub.), Rebecca 
Lumber; md. (3), Apr. 29, i860, Susan Reed; 
d. in Chesterville. 8 chil. 
IX. *Winiam, b. July 28, 1794. 



Francis Tufts, Jr., settled as a farmer upon river-lot 
No. 37, east side, and made that his home until his death. 
He md., Apr. i, 1793, Mary Parker, dau. of Mrs. John F. 
Woods by a previous marriage with Peter Parker. She 
was b. in Dunstable, Mass., Dec. 12, 1771, and d. Apr. 5, 
185 1. Mr. Tufts d. Jan. 20, 1825. Five children : — 

I. Mary, b. Mar. 23, 1794; md., Jan. 22, 1818, 
Joseph, son of Samuel Knowlton, ^. z/. ; d. in 
Lafayette, Ind., Jan. 14, 1852. 
II. Sarah, b. Aug. 29, 1797; md., June 24, 1813, 
John Morrison, q. v.; d. Jan. 13, 1852. 

III. Francis, b. Feb. 8, 1803 ; d. Aug. 28, 1805. 

IV. *Francis, b. Mar. 3, 1807. 

V. "^ Peter Parker, b. Mar. 28, 18 12. 



Benjamin Tufts settled in Phillips, where he built and 
operated mills. He built the house occupied by" the heirs 
of Hiram French, which he sold to Dr. J. L. Blake, and 
removed to Mainville, O., in 1822. Me md., Mar. i, 1801, 
Mehitable, dau. of Seth (keeley. She was b. in Winthrop, 
Nov. 27, 1780. He d. Aug. 27, 1859; she survived him 
until Mar. 27, 1872. Six children, all born in Phillips: — 

I. Hannah, b. May 14, 1802; md. Silas Dudley; d. 

June 22, 1855. 
II. Sarah, b. Jan. 23, 1804; md. Eliab Latham. 
III. Nancy, b. May 29, 1807 ; md. Sullivan F. Stevens, 



1^ 



598 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



19 



(10) 



23 
24 



25 
26 



27 
28 



29 

30 



(14) 



IV. Benjamin^ b. Feb. 27, 1810; md., Oct. 17, 1S33, 
Permelia, dau. of Samuel Knowlton, q. v. Is 
a substantial farmer at Mainville, O. 
V. Moses, b. Mar. i, 1813; md. Jane Linscott, dau. 
of Samuel Knowlton, Jr., q. v.\ d. Dec. 2, 
1871. 

VI. Seth, b. Nov. 15, 1816; md. Mary A. Gaskell. 



William Tufts began life as a farmer upon the home- 
stead, and continued his occupation in Phillips, where he 
removed about 1818. After residing there some fifteen 
years, he returned to Farmington, and subsequently re- 
moved to Readfield, where his death occurred, May 12, 
1884. Mr. Tufts was a man of uncommon prudence and 
industry, and by means of these characteristics amassed a 
substantial property. He was elected general of the 
Second Brigade of Militia while he lived at Phillips. He 
also served the town of Farmington as selectman in 1840. 
He md,. Mar. 21, 1816, Sarah Butterfield of Chesterville, 
who was b. June 7, 1790; d. Apr. 6, 1868. He md. (2), 
May 31, 1869, Sophia D. Howes. Four children : — 

I. Sarah Hopkinson, b. June 11, 1819; md., Sept. 
30. 1852, Isaac S. Jacobs, b. at Morcfield, Va., 
Nov. 8, 1825. 5 chil., 4 of whom were b. in 
Ohio: 

1. Virginia Maine Jacobs, b. Dec. 2, 1853; 

d. Apr. 23, i860. 

2. Nancy Tufts Jacobs, b. June 11, 1855; 

mcl., Aug. 13, i88r, Clinton Lovell of 
Boston. 

3. Carson Minor Jacobs, b. June 22, 1857. 

4. Mary Bell Jacobs, b. Sept. 8, 1S5S; d. 

Dec. 8, i860. 

5. Mary Virginia Jacobs, b. Nov. 8, 186 1. 

William, b. June 4, 1823 ; d. Nov. 29. 1859. He 
was a ripe scholar, and held a professorship in 
Andrew College, at Trenton, Tenn., for several 
years, until impaired health compelled him to 
retire. Unmd. 

IVancy, b. June 12, 1828; d. Oct. 8, 1S29. 

Nancy Whittier, b. julv 24, 1830; d. Mar. 6, 
1850. 



II. 



III. 

IV. 



Francis Tufts, 3D, lived upon a part of the homestead 
now occupied by William H. Holley. He md., Mar. 9, 
1830, Mary Butterfield, dau. of Peter Parker, q. v. He d. 
fan. 2, 1864. She survived him until 1S80, and d. in 
Constantina, O. One child : — 




(R(J^ (fSa^e^.^4a 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 599 



(15) 



34 
35 
36 

37 



38 



39 
40 



31 I- Mary Parker, b. June 26, 1832; md., P'eb. i, 

1863, Philander Ellis Whittier, who was b. 
Aug. 9, 1834, and d. Oct. 2, 1878. Resides in 
Ohio. 5 chil. 



Peter Parker Tufts is a substantial farmer residing 
on the south half of the homestead farm. He has been 
honored by his townsmen with various responsible public 
offices. He served as selectman in 1846-47, and as town 
treasurer in 1845. In 1876 he was again elected to the 
latter position, which he has continued to hold to the 
present time (1885). He early connected himself with 
the militia, and commanded the south company of infantry 
for several years. 

Mr. Tufts has been three times married : Feb. 25, 1841, 
to Angeline, dau. of Abner Ramsdell, q. v., who d, Apr. 
r6, 1863 ; (2), Sept. 20, 1864, to Abby D. Richards, who 
was b. May 25, 1826, and d. Sept. 8, 1869 ; (3) to Rebecca 
L. Rackliff, b. May 21, 1834. Five children by first 
marriage : — 

I. Augusta Ann, b. Apr. 18, 1843; mtl-, Mar. 30, 

1863, Eliphalet R. Weathern, q. v. 
11. Emily Josephine, b. Aug. i, 1845; md., June 30, 

1870, Elbridge E. Richards, i son. She md. 

(2), Oct. 26, 1882, Charles Coburn. 
iiF. Mahala Ramsdell, b. Apr. 12, 1848; md., June 

27, 187 I, William H. Pearson. 6 chil. 
IV. Flora A?igeline, b. May 21, 1850; md., Sept. 28, 

1876, Geo. A. Brooks, who d. June 25, 1885. 
V. Lconore Morrison, b. July 25, 1854; md., Aug. ir, 

1874, I. Clark Richards; d. July 28, 1876. i 

child. 



JosiAH Tufts was the son of Hutchinson Tufts, and 
halt-nephew of Francis Tufts, Sr., and was b. in Maiden, 
Mass., April 2, 1769. He lived there until his removal to 
Farmington in 1806. In 1808 he purchased of Nathaniel 
Hersey river-lot No. 28, west side, the same now occupied 
by his grandsons, LaForest and Melville P. Tufts, and there 
made his home for life. Mr. Tufts md., Dec. 25, 1792, 
Lydia Merritt, who was b. in Maiden, Feb. 12, 1771. He 
d. April 3, 1842, and his wife d. Dec. 15, 1843. Seven 
children : — 

I. Elizahth, b. in Maiden, Mass., March 7, 1794; 
md., March 17, 1819, Joseph Bradford, q. v.'\ 
d. Sept. 17, 1859. 
II. *Josiah, b. in Maiden, April 28, 1797. 
III. Lydia, b. in Maiden, Sept. 11, 1799; md., Nov. 7, 
182 I, George W. Smith of Phillips; d. Oct. 2,' 
1875. He d. Oct. II, 1845. 7 chil. 



6oo 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



41 

42 
43 
44 



(39) 



45 

46 

(42) 



47 
48 

49 

50 

51 

52 

53 
(46) 



IV. Mary, b. in Maiden, June 11, 1802 ; md., Dec. 5, 

1822, Samuel York of Avon ; d. March, 1879. 
V. * Peter Richardson, b. in Maiden, July 6, 1805. 
VI. Joseph, b. July 6, 1808 ; d. Sept. 11, 1843 ; unind. 
VII. Elbridge, b. Oct. 6, 1812 ; md., Sept. 30, 1835, 
Elmira Pinkham. Removed to Salt Lake City, 
where he died. 

JosiAH Tufts, Jr., came with his father to Farmington 
from Maiden, Mass., when a lad. He settled on a part of 
the homestead farm, where he lived and died. He was a 
man of far more than ordinary intelligence, was a thrifty 
farmer, and respected citizen. In religious views he was 
a Methodist. Mr. Tufts md., March 29, 1820, Jane, dau, 
of Benaiah Pratt. She was b. in New Vineyard, Oct. 21, 
1800; d. July 17, 1867. He d. Sept. 28, 1838. Two 
children : — 

I. Paulona, b. Jan. 24, 182 1; md., May 2, 1844, 

Starling Clark of New Sharon. 
II. * Warren, b. July 22, 1827. 

Peter R. Tufts came with his father from Maiden 
when an infant. He received from his father the south 
half of the homestead farm, on which he became one of 
the most substantial farmers in town, and by his thrift, 
energy and industry acquired a handsome property. In 
1847 he represented the town in the legislature, and was 
selectman in 1856-57-58. Mr. Tufts md., Oct. 24, 1832, 
Harriet Hall, dau. of Samuel and Susan (Smith) Currier 
of Mt. Vernon, who was b. May 2, 1810, and d. Oct. 23, 
1864. He md. (2), Jan. 24, 1870, Mrs. Louisa Parcher, 
who survives him. He d. Dec. 26, 1875. Seven chil- 
dren : — 

I. *LaForest, b. July 28, 1833. 

II. Ursula Georgia, b. July 14, 1836; md., Dec. 29, 
1857, William F. Miller; d. Sept. 6, 1865. 1 
dau. 

III. LaRoy, b. June 25, 1838; d. in California, March 

8, 1863 ; unmd. 

IV. Selina Eliza, b. July 7, 1840; md., July 16, 1868, 

Capt. Frederic A. Freeman. Lives in Kansas 
City, Mo. I son. 
V. * Melville Peter, b. Dec. 10, 1845. 
VI. Louisa Harriet, b. Sept. 28, 1847 ; d. Oct. 10, 

1869. 
VII. Alvin Hall, b. Jan. 14, 1857. 

Warren Tufts first settled on the homestead farm, 
which he subsequently sold to his cousin, LaForest Tufts, 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



60 1 



54 



55 


II. 


56 


III. 


57 


IV. 


5« 


V. 


59 


VI. 



(47) 



60 

(51) 



61 
62 

63 
64 



and removed to New Sharon. He md., Nov. 14, 1850, 
Martha A. Taibox, b. Oct. 19, 1828. Six children : — 



D. Clinton, b. Aug. g, 1851 

M. Belle Campbell. 
Horace G., b. July 21, 1855, 
Minnie E., b. June 6, i860. 
Jennie M., b. Oct. 20, 1863. 
Florence, b. Feb. 9, 1866. 
Daisy A., b. Oct. 8, 1867. 



md., Dec. 8, 1882, 



LaForest Tufts resides upon the farm purchased of 
his cousin, Warren Tufts, being the north half of the 
original Tufts homestead. He md., Nov. 28, 1869, Emma 
H., dau. of Samuel Oaks of Temple. She d. May 5, 1882. 
He md. (2), March 22, 1885, Emma P., dau. of Daniel 
Stanley, g. v. One child : — 

I. Helen Augusta, b. April 8, 1873. 



Melville P. Tufts resides upon the farm upon which 
he was born. He md., Dec. 13, 1874, Abbie, dau. of 
Joel and Mary P. (Stoyell) Wright, b. April 16, 1848. 
Four children : — 

I. Mary Harriet, b Oct. 5, 1875. 

II. Lutie Abbie, b. March 30, 1878 ; d. April 22, 1882. 

III, LaRoy Melville, b. Jan. 8, 1882. 

IV. John LaForest, b. April 8, 1884. 



burner* 

Several Turners were in New England at an early day, 
the immediate ancestry of Reuben Turner has been found. 



Nothingr of 



Reuben Turner was probably a native of Walpole, 
Mass., where he married Lucy Everett, and where his two 
eldest children were born. After a seven years' residence 
in Winthrop, he came to the township in 1790, and selected 
for his future home a part of front-lot No. 45, west side. 
He died of cold fever in 1814, and his widow subsequently 
married, July, 1820, Joseph Sanders. Ten children : — 

I. Lucy, b. Feb. 12, 1780; md., Nov. 28, 1799, 
Jeremy Wyman ; d. in Strong, Sept. 9, 1864. 
He d. Mar. 10, 1814, aged 40 years. 8 chil. 
II. Sally, b. Mar. 2, 1782; md., Dec. 21, 1800, Lot 

Hosmer ; d. in West Boylston, Mass. 
III. Betsey, b. in Winthrop, Aug. 2, 1787 ; md., Feb. 
4, 1807 (pub.), James B. Marvell, who d. Mar., 
1832, aged 62 years ; md. (2), Apr. 20, 1847, 
John Bailey, q. v.\ d. Mar. 4, 1864. 5 chil. 



6o2 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



IV. 



VI. 



VII. 



VIII. 



Esther Hitisdale, b. in Winthrop, Apr. 23, 1789 ; 

md., May 20, 1809 (pub.), Samuel Ladd ; d. in 

Temple. 
Reuben, b. Sept. 6, 1791 ; went to sea, and never 

returned. 
Martha, b. Mar. 12, 1793; md., Jan. 26, 1814 

(pub.), Matthias S. Norcross ; d. Mar. 5, 1872, 

He d. Oct. 23, 1868. 7 chil. 
Nancy, b. Sept. 10, 1796; md.. Mar. 16, 1818 

(pub.), Elijah Brown; d. in Wilton, May 31, 

1875- 
Folly, b. June 22, 1799; md., Aug. 9, 1819 (pub.), 

William Spear; d. in New Portland, May 17, 

1874. He d. Feb. 10, 1862. 8 chil. 
Johanna Day, b. July 10, 1803 ; md.. May 10, 

1824 (pub.), James R. Pratt; md. (2) William 

Dodge. 
Calista, b. Nov. 30, 1807 ; md., Nov. 25, 1827 

(pub.), Samuel Everett ; d, in Illinois. 3 chil. 



The family of Voter is of French extraction, its early representatives 
having come to this country from Paris, France, before the war of the 
Revolution. Louis Voter, probably the son of Seth Voter, was a native 
of Freetown, Mass., and as a young man accompanied his uncle, John 
Voter, who settled in Strong, to the Sandy River valley. 



Louis Voter, upon his arrival in the town about 1797' 
began improvements upon front-lot No. 23, west side, and) 
Nov. 28, 1799, was married to Sally, daughter of Nathaniel 
Backus, q. v., whom he brought to his new home, which 
was their residence through life. Their children were 
very industrious, and emphatically a family of hard work- 
ers. Mr. Voter d. Feb. 24, 1840, aged 66 years. Eleven 
children : — 

I. Mary Sally, b. Aug. 22, 1800; d. Nov. 28, 1802. 

II. *JVathamel Backus, b. Aug. 17, 1802. 

III. *Louis, b. Sept. 16, 1804. 

IV. * Warren, b. Dec. 7, 1806. 

v. Sarah Backus, b. Feb. 2, 1809; md., Nov. 20, 

1832, John Corbett, g. v. 
VI. Gilbert, b. March 20, 1811 ; md., Nov. 29, 1838, 
Nancy Bangs; d. Sept. 12, 1863. Lived in 
Salem. 8 chil. 
VII. Keziah, b. Oct. 10, 1813; d. Jan. 28, [814. 
VIII. Elmina Calista, b. Dec. 11, 1815 ; md., Sept. 25, 
1838, Joseph Bangs; d. Jan. 3, 1870. 8 chil., 
all dead but one. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 603 

IX. Franklin, b. Jan. 19, 1817 ; d. Jan. 24, 1817. 
X. Julia Ann, b. Feb. 23, 1818; nid., Nov. 29, 1841, 

John C, son of Benjamin Heath, Jr., q. v. 5 

ch.i]. 
XI. * John Backus, b. Aug. 24, 182 1. 

Nathaniel B. Voter settled upon the Samuel Lam- 
bert farm, near the village at West Farmington, where he 
lived and died. He was captain of the militia at one 
time, and was always respected for his upright character. 
He md., Dec. 13, 183 1, Mary M., dau. of John Read, who 
was b. in Strong, Aug. 9, 1810. He d. March 8, 187 1. 
Three children : — 

I. John Read, b. Oct. 8, 1832 ; md., Sept. 22, 1861, 
Augusta Patterson. He resides in Lyons, 
Neb. 6 chil. 
11. Mary Frances, b. July 23, 1837 ; md., Sept. 22, 

1865, Jeremy P. Holley, q. v. 
III. Nathaniel Adelbert, b. May 10, 1841 ; md., Jan. 2, 
1870, Mindwell Walton. He is a farmer resid- 
ing near West Farmington. 2 chil. 



Louis Voter, Jr., was a mason by trade. For many 
years he lived upon the homestead and conducted his 
farming operations in connection with his trade. In 1868 
he removed to the Center Village, where he spent the 
remainder of his life. He was one of the selectmen in 
1853-54, and town treasurer in 1873. Mr. Voter was very 
popular as captain of the cavalry, and took great delight 
in anything connected with the militia. He md., April 
2, 1833, Sarah, dau. of David Wentworth, q. v. ; d. April 
13, 1882. Six children : — 

I. Harriet Ann, b. Oct. 10, 1836; md., Nov. 20, 

1855, Justin K. McLeary; d. July 18, r86i; 

he d. Feb. 14, 1872. 3 chil. 
II. Lizzie Wentworth. b. Mar. 31, 1840; md., Aug. 2, 

1861, James Goodwin. 2 chil. : 

1. Harry Leon Goodwin, b. Apr. 9, 1866. 

2. Edith Wentworth Goodwin, b. Oct. 12, 

1877- 

III. Vesta Caroline, b. A]5r. 20, 1842; md., Mar. 12, 

1865, Joseph W. Thomas; d. Feb. ii, 1880, 
7 chil. 

IV. Louis Gustavus, h. June 5, 1844; md., July 24, 

1870, Mary L. Cram ; d. in California, Nov. 8, 
1873 ; i'. /. 
V. John Franklifi, b. Mar. 3. 1846; d. July i, 1857. 
VI. Flora?nond Erwin, b. June 19, 1848; md., Dec. 
22, 1873, Flora Louisa, dau. of William and 
Sarah (Woods) Tripp ; s. p. 



6o4 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(5) 



24 

25 
26 

(12) 



27 
28 

(26) 



29 



Warren Voter settled upon the Jeremiah Stoddard 
farm, and followed the occupation of his father. By in- 
dustry and economy he acquired a substantial property, 
which he left to his wife and children at his decease, Dec. 
6, 1 88 1. He was at one time captain of the west company 
of militia. Mr. Voter was an upright man, and possessed 
practical common-sense. He md., Feb. 29, 1832, Lucy, 
dau. of John Corbett, q. v. Three children : — 

I. Andrew Jackson, b. Dec. 16, 1832. He enlisted 
in Co. F, 7th Reg. Me. Vols., and d. at Wash- 
ington, D. C, June 9, 1865. 
II. Apphta Jane, b. Jan. 24, 1835 5 "^d.. Mar. 27, 

1859, Edwin Sawyer of Temple. 4 chil. 
III. * Warren Tyler, b. Mar. 2, 1839. 



John B. Voter is a farmer, and owns a farm on what is 
known as Cowan's Hill. He md., July 4, 1847, Olive A. 
Wright, who was born in Strong, Apr. 15, 1826, and d. 
Dec. I, 1884. Two children: — 

I. Clara Belle, b. July 17, 1848; md., Sept. 5, 1871, 

Joseph F. Wellman ; s. p. 
II. Rose Evelyn, b. Sept. 4, 1853; md., Feb. 21, 
1880, Milton N. Lambert; s.p. 



Warren T. Voter is a successful and enterprising 
farmer living in the western part of the town. For a few 
years he rented and cultivated his brother's farm, but 
afterwards purchased and removed to his father's farm, 
which he has enlarged and improved. He md.. Mar. 2, 
1861, Lydia, dau. of Joseph and Betsey (Hobartj White of 
Temple. She was b. Aug. i, 1840; d. Oct. 13, 1873. He 
md. (2), June 20, 1875, Mrs. P^lla Eliza, widow of Justin 
E. McLeary, and dau. of Ephraim and Eliza (Doble) Conant 
of Strong. She was b. Aug. 15, 1846. Seven children: — 

I. Cora Frances, b. July 27, 1862 ; md., Aug. 13, 
1885, Ajnlin Belmont, son of B. Frank and 
Mary A. (Perry) Russell, b. in Canada, Mar. 
7, 1864. 

Charles Andrew, b. Jan. 9, 1865. 

Henry Burton, b. May 8, 1867. 

Mark Lewis, b. June 2, 1871. 



Ella Gertrude, b. Dec. 25, 1876. 
Ernest Warren, b. July 5, 1879. 
Arthur LeRoy, b. May 18, 1S83. 



30 


II. 


31 


III. 


32 


IV. 




Secon 


33 


v. 


34 


VI. 


35 


Vll. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



605 



The family of Weathern is of French extraction. It can be traced 
with certainty only to Arnold Weathern, who was the son of French 
immigrant parents, and was born, probably in Newbury, Mass., in the 
first quarter of the last century. He moved into the State of Maine, but 
at what time is uncertain. Arnold Weathern died at Farmington with 
his son Benjamin. He had a family of several sons and daughters. We 
are concerned only with Benjamin and Micah, who came to Farmington. 



Benjamin Weathern was born in Nobleboro, Aug. 3, 
1759, and enlisted in that unfortunate expedition to Penob- 
scot, in 1779, which proved so disastrous to the American 
arms. He participated in the battle which took place at 
Bagaduce, now Castine, Aug. 14, 1779, between the Amer- 
icans, commanded by Gen. Lovell of Massachusetts, and 
the British. The contest was short but decisive: the 
Americans were beaten, and Mr. Weathern, with many of 
his comrades, sought safety in flight towards their homes 
through a wild uncultivated country, where they suffered 
intense hardships and privations from hunger and expos- 
ure. Some perished in the forests by the way. He was 
the recipient of a pension during the last years of his life 
as a compensation for services rendered in that expedi- 
tion. In 1783 he came to the tov*'nship, and began im- 
provements upon lot No. 7, west side, where he lived and 
died. This farm is now occupied by his grandson, Elipha- 
let R. Weathern, and is one of the few farms which have 
remained in the same family since the settlement of the 
town. Mr. Weathern was a man highly respected among 
the early settlers for his upright character. He md., in 
Nobleboro, Susannah Blackstone, who was b. in Nobleboro, 
Apr. 18, 1760. Mr. Weathern d. Mar. 12, 1834, and his 
wife survived him until June 19, 1837. One child: — 

I. *^ Benjamin, b. Sept. 4, 1791. 

MiCAH Weathern, son of Arnold and brother of Ben- 
jamin Weathern, was born in 1761. He accompanied his 
brother on the expedition to Bagaduce, and preceded him 
by a year or more in coming to the Sandy River township. 
He made a beginning on lot N(). 39, east side, about 
1781, but soon sold to Benjamin Blackstone, and moved 
to the farm in the north part of the town now occupied by 
Dexter B. Sprague. Mr. Weathern was a carpenter by 
trade, and made himself useful in the erection of dwellings 
for the early settlers. He finally moved to Strong, and 
died in New Portland, Dec. 2, 1856, probably the last 
survivor of the early settlers. He md. (2), Aug. 28, 1798, 
Hannah, dau. of Klvaton Parker, q. v., who d. Dec. 30, 



77 



6o6 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(2) 



IT 
12 

13 

IS 

16 

17 



19 



(13) 



1872, at the advanced a;^e of 97 years and 8 months. 
Seven children, all born in Farmington, but settled else- 
where : — 

I. Mary, b. July 12, 1799; nid., Sept., 1817, Samuel 
G. Gould of New Portland; d. Oct. 19, 1864. 
He d. in 1876. i child. 
ir. Benjamin, b. May 26, 180 1 ; is married, and 
resides in Granite Falls, Minn. 

III. Cynthia, b. Feb. 27, 1803; md., July 25, 1822, 

Rev. Nathan Thompson; d. Mar. 16, 1868. 
He d. Mar. 6, 1846. 3 chil. 

IV. Elvatoti, b. June 3, 1805 ; md., July 19, 1827, 

Hannah Thompson, who d. Aug. 7, 1S77. 
Lives in Oak Grove, Minn. 5 chil. 
v. Elizabeth, b. June 6, 1807 ; md., July 8, 1827, 
Daniel Thompson, who d. in New Sharon, 
Aug. 14, 1874. 2 chil. 
VI. Paulina Hersey, b. Mar. 23, 1809; md., July 8, 
1827, Daniel Young. Resides at New Sharon. 
6 chil. 
VII. Hiram, b. Mar. i, 181 1; is married, and resides 
in Champlain, Minn. 



Benjamin Weathern, Jr., succeeded to the homestead 
farm. He was drafted from the artillery company for 
service in the War of 1S12, and was stationed at VViscasset 
from Sept. 24 to Nov. 4, 18 14. Mr. Weathern md., Nov. 
I, 18 1 8, Susan, dau. of F^liphalet and Jane (Plummer) 
Reed, b. Mar. 12, 1797. He d. Aug. 6, 1846, and his 
wife survived him until Aug. i, i»82. Nine children : — 

I. Joel, b. Mar. 30, 1820; d. Apr. 16, 1829. 
II. William Harrisoti, b. Jan. 12, 1823; d. July 8, 
1849 ; unmd. 

III. *Eliphalet Reed, b. Mar. 11, 1S25. 

IV. Benjamin Franklin, b. May 30, 1827 ; d. Sept. i, 

1849 ; unmd. 
V. Susan Jane, b. Apr. 11, 1831 ; md., July 3, 1862, 

Samuel G. Craig, q. v. 
VI. George Denms, \ ^^^^ \ d. Aug. i 1834. 

VII. Twinnifant, \ ' -^-^ ^ d. Oct. 28,1833. 

vni. Sarah Augusta, b. July 6, 1835; d. Apr. 11, 1855 ; 
unmd. 
IX. Moses LeRoy, b. Feb. 9, 1840. He enlisted in 
Co. B, 28th Reg. Me. Vols., and died in the 
hospital at New Orleans, Apr. 18, 1863* 



Eliphalet Reed Weathern resides upon the home- 
stead where five generations have lived. He md.. Mar. 
30, 1863, Augusta A., dau. of Peter P. Tufts, q. v. There 
childrei) : — 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



607 



20 
21 
22 



I. Benjamin Franklin, b. July i, 1865. 
II. Harrison Parker, b. Jan. 15, 1867. 
III. Jennie Augusta, b. Apr. 11, 1872. 



The family of Wendell is of Dutch origin. The immigrant ancestor 
was Evert Jansen Wendell, who was born in Embden, in Hanover, in 
1615, emigrated to New York in 1640, and made a permanent settlement 
at Albany. John Wendell, the fourth of his eleven children, became a 
trader in Albany, and acquired great wealth, owning large tracts of land 
in the Mohawk valley. He likewise had eleven children, of whom the 
eldest son was Abraham, who by the law of primogeniture inherited his 
father's property. Abraham, who was born Dec. 27, 167S, married, in 
1702, Katarina De Key, and moved to New York City, where he was a 
large importer. Misfortunes overtaking him, he removed to Boston, 
where a younger brother, Jacob Wendell (the great-grandfather of Oliver 
Wendell Holmes and Wendell Phillips), had already gone. He there 
died in 1734. The third of the children of Abraham and Katarina 
Wendell was Abraham, baptized in March, 1706. He married Jane 
Phillips, and died Apr. 17, 1741. Of his three children, Thomas, the 
youngest, was born in 1738; married, in July, 1763, Abigail Taylor of 
Dorchester, Mass. They made a home at Marblehead, and at the out- 
break of the Revolution Mr. Wendell threw in his fortunes with the col- 
onies. He was captured by the British, and died on board the prison- 
ship Jersey in New York harbor in 1777, leaving six children. 



Thomas Wendell, the third child of Thomas and 
Abigail (Taylor) Wendell, was born in Marblehead, Mass., 
July 13, 1770, but removed with his parents to Salem 
when a child. His boyhood was spent amid the threaten- 
ings and early hostilities of the Revolution. He heard 
the musketry during the engagement at Bunker Hill, and 
remembered the expedition which Col. Leslie made to 
Salem to secure the arms stored at that place. He saw 
the obstinate resistance made by the inhabitants at the 
North Bridge against the aggression of Leslie. Timothy 
Pickering, Richard Derby, Antipas Stewart, the school- 
master, and John Felt, were through life his models of 
resolute and determined men. The fortune of his family 
being impaired by the war, and his father having died, the 
care of six young children fell upon his mother. He 
being the oldest son, in 1780 obtained a position as cabin- 
boy in the ship Poms, a privateer, Capt. John Cairnes, 
master, fitted out by the Hon. 1'^. Haskett Derby, a wealthy 
merchant of Salem. The ship was gone but four months, 
and returned in consequence of five of her guns bursting 



6o8 



HISTORY OF FARMING! ON. 



in the first engagement with a British brig off the Island 
of Martinique. The brig, heavily laden with wine, was 
captured, and Capt. Cairnes returned with his prize to 
Salem in Feb., 1781. Mr. Wendell accompanied the 
vessel on her second voyage, returning in July, 1782, with 
several prizes. 

After the close of the war Mr. Wendell accompanied 
his uncle, by marriage, Moses Starling, to Bristol in this 
State, and removed with him to Farmington in 1786. He 
served an apprenticeship with Mr. Starling as a carpenter, 
but upon arriving at his majority, in 1791, he began a 
clearing upon the farm which was his home during his life. 
In early life he spent his time in mechanical as well as 
agricultural pursuits, but his delight was in cultivating the 
soil, and he made farming not only a profitable, but also 
an attractive calling. 

In religious faith Mr. Wendell was a strong Congrega- 
tionalist. In early life he united with the church of that 
order in Chesterville, and was one of the founders and 
original members of the church in Farmmgton, serving it 
as clerk from its organization in 1814 until his death. He 
was a deep student of the Bible and religious poetry, and 
at the time of his death could repeat nearly all of the 
book of Psalms and the four Gospels. His mind was 
characterized by a retentive and accurate memory. When 
more than ninety years old he could remember the names 
of the officers and most of the crew of the Porus, and 
would detail many incidents connected with her voyages 
and engagements. He was a great reader, and was 
always found with a book in his leisure hours. He thus 
acquired a large and varied store of knowledge, and 
having the happy faculty of imparting what he knew, his 
companionship was much prized in social life. He always 
maintained a marked courtesy and dignity in his inter- 
course with his fellows, the dignity which characterized 
the gentlemen of the old school. With his erect form and 
long gray queue, he exemplified the word Puritan to the 
youth of the third and fourth generations. Of education 
he was the friend and patron, and took a deep interest in 
the establishment of the Academy in 1807, subscribing 
liberally for its endowment, and doing much of the labor 
of erecting the building with his own hands. He was 
elected to a position on its first board of trustees, and held 
the office up to his death, or during the whole of the 
existence of the institution save its last two years. 

In his earnest piety, temperance, indefatigable perse- 
verance, love of knowledge, honesty and industry, his life 
was most exemplary. He was characterized by certain 
amiable eccentricities, and many stories illustrative of 
these are preserved in the memories of many now living. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 609 

He served the town as selectman In 1807-8. 

He died from the weakness of old age, Nov. 19, 1862. 
He md., Feb. 6. 1795, Elizabeth, dau. of jjacob Eaton, 
q. V. Eleven children : — 

I. *Thomas, b. July 25, 1796. 

II. Betsey, b. March 10, 1798; md., Jan., 1819, John 
Tilton, son of Solomon and Celia (Tilton) Luce. 
He was born at Edgartown, Mass., June 11, 
1793, and when a child came with his father 
to what is now the town of New Vineyard, 
where he subsequently settled and made his 
home until 1849, when he removed to the 
Enoch Craig farm in Farmington. He held 
various municipal offices while a resident of 
New Vineyard, and was representative to the 
legislature in 1847. He enlisted as a musician 
in the United States service in the War of 
18 1 2, and served upon the Niagara frontier 
until near its close, when he received an hon- 
orable discharge. Mr. Luce held a prominent 
position in the circles in which he moved, and 
fully exemplified his Christian character by his 
blameless life. He was one of the first mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church in New 
Vineyard, and did much to enlarge its member- 
ship and increase its usefulness. His death, 
which occurred June 26, 1877, was hastened 
by being thrown from his carriage while in the 
town of New Vineyard. His wife d. Sept. 14, 
1864. 7 chil. : 

1. John Luce, b. Dec. 30, 1819; md., June 

21, 1849, Mary Sears, dau. of Hartson 
and Martha (Johnson) Hackelt ; is a 
farmer residing at Baraboo, Wis. c 
chil. 

2. Thomas Wendell Luce, b. May 13, 1824; 

md., July II, 1852, Mary A. Staples; 
enlisted in defense of his country, and 
d. at Washington, D. C, Nov. 17, 
1862. I child. 

3. Emily Aubrey Luce, b. Jan. 31, 1827; 

md., April 6, 1848, Isaiah W. Rich- 
ards, who d. in California, Nov. 26, 
1862. 2 chil. 

4. Joseph Wendell Luce, b. Mar. 17, 1829 ; 

md., Oct. 8, 1850, Emily Vaughan, 
dau. of Hartson and Martha (fohn- 
son) Hackett ; d. in Baraboo, Wis., 
Aug. 20, 1S76. 2 chil. 



6io 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



II 

12 



13 

^5 



16 
18 



19 

(2) 



20 
21 



22 

23 
24 



25 



5. Betsey Eaton Luce, b. Sept. 25, 183 1 ; 

md., Nov. 23, 1862, Charles A. Allen, 
q. V. 

6. George Washington Luce, b. April 17, 

1834; md., June 25, 1867, Hannah 
Snow, dau. of Plamentin and Hannah 
(Snow) Daggett; a jeweler at Colum- 
bus, O. I child. 

7. Augusta Leone Luce, b. April 27, 1843 ; 

md., April 30, 1872, John S., son of 
William S. Gay, q. v. 

III. Abraham, b. March 23, 1800; d. Feb. 2, 1804. 

IV. Abigail, b. May 3, 1802; md., Feb. 25, 1827, 

Joseph L. Hackett ot New Vineyard; d. June, 

1843. 6 chil. 

V. Dolly, b. May 10, 1804; d. Dec, 1822. 

VI. *Abraha}n, b. May 10, 1806. 

VII. William, b. April 17, 1808; studied medicine 

with Dr. Allen Phillips, and later attended 

medical lectures at Brunswick. In 1830 he 

joined his brother Abraham in Peru, and 

practised his profession in connection with 

him. He returned once to this country, in 

1834, but went back to South America, and 

died unmarried in 1850. He was a man of 

much natural ability and fine literary tastes. 

VI II. * Toseph Fairbanks, ) , t /- o 

*-V f - b. Tan. 16, 18 12. 

IX. * Jasper, ) 

X. Julia, b. July 23, 1815 ; md., July 23, 1842, 

Francis G. Butler, q. v. 

XI. Rachel, b. July 13, 1818 ; d. Aug., 1836; unmd. 



Thomas Wendell, Jr., was a farmer and mechanic, 
and resided on the homestead farm. He was prominent 
in the organization of the Franklin County Agricultural 
Society, in 1840, and always maintained an interest in it. 
He md., Sept. 30, 18 19, Susan, dau. of Eliab and Mary 
(Foot) Lyon of Readfield, who was b. Apr. 5, 1794, and d. 
Oct. 30, 1864. He d. Dec. 28, 1877. Seven children: — 

I. *Thomas, b. June 15, 1820. 

II. Susan Lyon, b. June 5, 1822 ; md., Apr. 29, 1849, 
John J. Look ; d. June 29, 1872. i child : 
I. Dolly Wendell Look, b. Dec, 1861. 

III. Dolly, b. Aug. 2. 1824; d. Mar. 24, 1829. 

IV. Elizabeth Eaton, b. May 27, 1827 ; md., Nov. 26, 

1844, Joseph Titcomb, Jr., q. v.; d. Mar. 15, 
1849. 
V. Dolly Quincy, b. Nov. 17, 1830; d. Apr. 21, 1861 ; 
unmd. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



6ll 



VI, Mariquita Sylvia Mendoza, b. Oct. 9, 1832 ; md., 
May 22, i8t,4, Elmon J. Dyar. Mr. Dyar was 
b. Oct, 6, 1832, and is the eldest son of the 
late Col. Joseph and Mary (Gay) Dyar, He 
resides upon the farm so long owned by his 
maternal grandfather, Jabez Gay, g. v. He 
ranks among the largest and most saccessful 
farmers in town. He has served as selectman 
in 1866-67-68-69-85. 4chil. : 

1. Helen Josephine Dyar, b. Apr. 27, 1855; 

md,, Nov. ir, 1882, Pascal M. Dyar, 
and resides in Tombstone, Arizona. 
I child. 

2. Joseph Lincoln Dyar, b. Mar. 18, 1859 ; 

md., Mar, 22, 1882, Ida L., dau, of 
Dexter B, Sprague, q. v. i child. 

3. Charles Francis Dyar, b. Jan. 11, 1861. 

4. LeRoy Elmon Dyar, b. Dec. 8, 1872. 
VII. Mary Adelaide, b. Apr. 13, 1835 ; md. William 

Hiscock, q. v. 



Abraham Wendell received a classical education at 
the Farmington Academy, and pursued the study of medi- 
cine at the Bowdoin Medical School, from which he gradu- 
ated in 1829. Both before and after graduation he studied 
his profession with Dr. Joseph Warren of Boston. An 
opportunity presenting itself to establish a practice in 
South America, he sailed for Peru in May, 1830. He first 
settled in Piura, but in 1850 removed to Lima, where he 
became one of the most distinguished physicians and 
surgeons in the country. He was interested in many 
enterprises for the development of the resources of Peru, 
and through them both made and lost large sums of 
money. He returned to this country for the first time in 
September, 1872, and died of heart-disease in New York 
City, Sept. 16, 1872. He md., in 1847, Genara Tizon, 
b. in Piura in 1832. Seven children, si.x of whom died in 
childhood : — 

I. Abraham Giiillermo, b. in Lima, Dec. 17, 1850. 
Came to the States to be educated in 1868; 
returned to Peru in 1870. and md., Aug., 1872, 
Laura Valderieso of Santiago, Chili. He re- 
turned to this country to begin the study of 
medicine in 1874; graduated at Bowdoin 
Medical School in 1876, and at the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons in New York City the 
followkig year. He enlisted as one of the 
physicians during the yellow-fever scourge at 
Memphis, Tenn., in 1878 and also in 1879. 



6l2 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



(i6) 



Z2> 
34 

35 



36 



37 
38 

(17) 



39 

40 

41 

(20) 



42 



In 1878 he established himself as a physician 
in Minneapolis, Minn., and began a successful 
practice. His health failing, owing to the 
effects of malaria contracted in the South, he 
resolved to return to Peru. He sailed in the 
spring of 1880, and died in Lima soon after his 
arrival. 1 child. 



Joseph Fairbanks Wendell began trade at Fairbanks' 
Mills in 1832. He removed to Readfield in 1845, and 
thence went to California among the pioneers of 1849. 
He returned for his family in 1854, and made a home in 
Crescent City, Cal., where he d., Mar. 5, i860. He was a 
fine musician, and a man universally beloved for his social 
qualities. He md., May 25, 1840, Lemira, dau. of Abijah 
Upham of Readfield, who survives him. Seven chil- 
dren : — 

L Leonora Josephine, b. July 9, 1841 ; d. Oct. 16, 

1842. 
n. Leonora Josephine, b. Mar. 15, 1843 ; md., June 
12, 1866, John Baxter, and resides at Gilroy, 
Santa Clara Co., Cal. 3 chil. 

in. Joseph Fairbanks, b. Jan. 21, 1845 i '''''<^-' Nov. 12, 
1S74, Fmma G. Kinloch. Mr. Wendell is a 
lawyer by profession, and first established prac- 
tice at Fairfield, Solano Co., Cal., and was for 
some time county attorney of Solano Co. He 
has also served in the Senate of the State of 
California. In 1882 he removed to San Fran- 
cisco, where he is a rising lawyer. 2 chil. 

IV. Thomas, b. in Readfield, Aug. 22, 1847 ; d. Aug. 
9, 1879 ; unmd. He was a journalist by pro- 
fession, and editor of the Vallejo Chronicle. 
V. Augusta M., b. in Readfield, Aug. i, 1849 ; md., 
Oct. 22, 1881, Martin V. Ashbrook. 2 chil. 

VI. Abraham, b. in Crescent City, May 20, 1856. 
vn. William, b. in Crescent City, Feb. 14, i860. 



Jasper Wendell md., October, 1857, Julia Williams. 
Three children : — 

I. William, b. Nov. 23, 1858; d. April 10, 1881. 
H. Charles, b. July 18, i860; d. Dec. 10, 1883. 
III. Julia, b. Aug. 27, 1862; d. Feb. 2, 1878. 



Thomas Wendell, 3D, is a mechanic, residing in Farm- 
ington. He md., April 23, 1848, Martha Ricker of New 
Portland. Three children : — 



Sarah Elizabeth, b. April 
1882. 



>3, 1849 ; d. Dec. 14, 



GEATEALOG/CAL REGISTER. 



613 



43 

44 

(44) 



45 
46 

47 



II. William, b. Nov. 10, 1S53; d. July 13, 1854. 
Ill, * Frederic Augustus, b. Aug. 17, 1855. 



Frederic A. Wendell mcL, Sept. 17, 1879, S. Amanda 
Niles of Chesterville, and resides in Livermore. Four 
children : — 

I. Thomas Roy, b. Sept. 25, 1880. 

II. Lovie K?iowlhm, b. March 13, 1882. 

III. Datiiel Adams, b. March 8, 1883. 

IV. Sarah Amanda, b. Sept. 22, 1884. 



The Wentworth family is of honorable English lineage. The founder 
of the family in this country, Elder William Wentworth, emigrated some 
time prior to 1639, at which time he was a resident of Exeter, N. H. 
He was the father of eleven children, of whom the second was John. Of 
John's six children the fourth was Shubael, who was a blacksmith at 
Stoughton, Mass. He married, Apr. 11, 1717, Damaris Hawes, and died 
in 1759. Sion, fourth of the ten children of Shubael and Damaris Went- 
worth, was born Mar. 31, 1725, and married Hannah Pettingill. He also 
was a blacksmith at Stoughton, where he died, Nov. 9, 1796. 



David Wentworth, third child of Sion and Hannah 
(Pettingill) Wentworth, was born in what is now Canton, 
Mass., Dec. 11, 1763. He came to the Sandy River 
township in 1786, and took up a tract of land on the west 
side of the river, and, after cultivating it for five years, 
brought his bride to share his new home. Mr, Wentworth 
remained in Farmington until 1805, when he sold his farm, 
which comprised front-lot No. 36, west side, to James 
Rowings, and removed to Strong, where he resided until 
his death, Jan. 10, 1855. He was regarded as a man of 
blameless life, and was among the earliest of the members 
of the Free-Will Baptist Church in Farmington. His wife, 
whom he md. in Norridgewock, Mar. 20, 1791, was Eliza- 
beth Brown. She was b. in Billerica, Mass., Aug. 19, 
1772; d. in Strong, June 19, 1843. Ten children, six of 
whom were born in Farmington : — 

I. * Jesse, b. Nov. 3, 1792. 

II. David, b. Sept. 21, 1794; md., Mar. 13, 1828, 
Myra, dau. of Hebron and Deborah (Stewart) 
Mayhew; d. Mar. 2, 1856. She was b. Apr. 
9, 1798; d. Mar. 3, 1854. 7 chil. 
George, b. Sept. 16, 1796; md., Feb. 3, 1825, 
Susan, dau. of John and Abigail (Smith) Read 
of Strong; d. Sept. 26, 1854. She d. Sepl. 22, 
1849. 1 1 chil. 



III. 



78 



6i4 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



lO 

II 

(2) 



13 



14 



IV. Elizabeth^ b. Oct. 4, 1798 ; d. July 4, 1845. 
V. Hannah^ b. July 30, 1801 ; md., Feb. 2, 1825, 
Osgood Eaton, Jr., of Wilton; d. June 26, 
187 I. He d. Jan. 7, 1877, aged 77 years. 

VI. Brown, b. Nov, 21, 1803; d. July 14, 1852; 

unmd. 
VII. Anna, b. Feb. 20, 1806; md., Feb. 9, 1836, Will- 
iam M. Reed, who d. Aug. 5, i860, aged 59 
years. She md. (2), May 10, 1863, Jeremiah 
Ellsworth; d. May 17, 1874. He d. Feb. 10, 
1871, 
VIII. Sarah, b. Jan. 26, 1809; md., Apr. 2, 1S33, Louis 
Voter, q. V. 

IX. Obed, b. Mar. 4, iSix ; d. May 13, 18 it. 

X, Mary, b. Mar. 2, 1812 ; d. Dec. 28, 18 13. 

Jesse Wentworth was a merchant at Hampden for 
many years, and after a short residence in Bangor, came 
to Farmington, where his death occurred July i, 1868. He 
md., Sept. 5, 1825, Frances Tyler Herrick of Hampden, 
who was b. Dec. 25, 1807, and d. May 20, 1829. He md. 
(2), July 10, i860, Mary Morton, who d. Dec. 27, 1874. 
Three children : — 

I. Frances Elizabeth, b. in Hampden, May 26, 1826 ; 

md., Feb. 26, 1855, Reuben Cutler, q. v. 
II. Jedediah Herrick, b. Apr. 14, 1828 ; d. Feb. 9, 
1856. 

Second marriage : 

III. Jessie May, b. Nov. 3, 1861. 



The ancestor of the New England families bearing the names of 
Whittier, Whitcher, and Whicher, was Thomas Whittier, who emigrated 
to this country in 1638, when a lad of sixteen. He married Ruth Green, 
and was for a time a resident of Salisbury, Mass., but afterward moved 
to Haverhill, where he built the famous Whittier homestead. He seems 
to have been a prominent man in both church and state. He died Nov. 
29, 1696. Thomas and Ruth Whittier were the parents of ten children, 
the sixth of whom was Nathaniel, born in Haverliill, Aug. i r, 1658. He 
was a carpenter by trade, and resided at Salisbur), where he married, 
Aug. 26, 1685, Mary, daughter of William Osgood, who was the mother 
of his children. After her death he contracted a second marriage, and 
died July 18, 1722. He was the first of the family to change the s])elling 
of the name from Whittier to Whitcher and Whiciier, a custom adhered 
to by many of his descendants. The eldest of tlie tM'O children of 
Nathaniel and Mary Whittier, was Reuben, who was born in Salisbury, 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



615 



May 17, 1686. He married. Dec. 19, 1708, Deborah Pillsbury. His 
home was in Sali.sbury, where he died Nov. 18, 1722. Nathaniel Whittier, 
second of the seven children of Reuben and Deborah, was born in 
Salisbury, Aug. 12, 1711. He married, Nov. 16, 1734, Hannah Clough, 
and resided in Salisijury until the birth of all his children, after which 
he removed to Poplin, N. H., and later to Raymond in the same State. 
He died with one of his children in Wintlirop, Jan. 2, 1784. His second 
son, Nathaniel, who was born Feb. 23,1743, was the grandfather of True 
G. Whittier, a former resident of Farmington. 



Benjamin Whittier, eldest of the ten children of 
Nathaniel and Hannah (Clough) Whittier, was born in 
Salisbury, Mass., Oct. 24, 1736, and there married, in 
1755, Mary Joy. About 1775 Ke removed to Chester, 
N. H., and a few years later to Readfield, but finally 
settled, in 1783, on Sandy River. The lot which he took 
up, river-lot No. 22, west side, the same now owned by 
George A. Williams and others, proved to be one of the 
best in the township, and Mr. Whittier was very successful 
in farming. In 1793, when it was proposed by the inhabi- 
tants of the township to ask for an act to incorporate a 
town with the boundaries as surveyed by Judge North in 
1780, Mr. Whittier strenuously opposed the movement, 
and proposed taking the southern portion of the town, 
together with the northern portion of what is now Chester- 
ville, and making a town with a center at or near Farming- 
ton Falls {vide page 66). In this movement he received 
considerable support from the residents of the south part 
of the town. Mr. Whittier was for some years constable 
and collector of taxes, and served the town as chairman of 
the board of selectmen in 180 1. The cause, of his death, 
which occurred Nov. 11, 1822, was a fall from his carriage 
while riding in the town of Chesterville. His wife was b. 
in Salisbury, Oct. 18, 1736; d. July 5, 1822. Twelve 
children, nine born in Salisbur}^ and three in Chester, 
N. H.: — 

I. Anna, b. Dec. 3, 1757 ; d. May 31, 1759. 
II. Betsey, b. Apr. 24, 1759; nid., Feb. 8, 1781, 
Samuel Prescott of New Sharon; d. July 12, 
182 I. He d. in Hallowell in 1841. 

III. Benjamin, b. Aug. 26, 1760; d. Apr. 29, 1782. 

IV. Mary, b. Jan. 17, 1763; md., Dec. i, 1783, Jesse 

Prescott of New Sharon ; d. Aug. 7, 1841. 
He d. Jan. 15, 1847. 
V, Moses, b. Sept. 14, 1764; ind. IJetsey, dau. of 
John and Lydia (Norton) Flint; d. Aug., 1833. 
She was b. Sept. 4, 1771. 12 chil. 



6i6 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



9 

lO 



13 
(13) 



14 



IS 
16 



17 
18 

19 

20 
21 



(17) 



22 
23 

24 



VII 



VIII 



VI. Anna, b. July 2, 1766; md. Joseph Hutchinson; 
d. Jan. 31, 18 19. Resided in Readfield. 
Miriam, b. June 20, 1768; md., Dec. 28, 1790, 
Richard Maddocks of Chesterville ; d. Sept. 9, 
1841. He d. Jan. 19, 1839. 5 chil. 
Sarah, b. Jul}' 20, 177 1 ; md. Arnold Weathern ; 
d. Oct., 1862. He d. Mar. 6, 1853. 7 chil. 
IX. William, b. Feb. 22, 1774; md., June 2, 1795, 
Nancy Butterfield, who d. May i, 1830. He 
was killed by falling from a load of hay, Aug. 
7, 1806. 4 chil. 
X. Ruth, b. Sept. iS, 1775 ; md., Feb. 22, 1795, 
Jedediah, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth 
(Prescott) Whittier; d. Feb. 3, 1866. He was 
b. Aug. 2, 1771; d. Oct. 29, 1841. Resided 
in Vienna. 10 chil. 
XI. Hannah, b. Apr. 26, 1777 ; md., Mar. 24, iSoo, 

Simeon Norris ; d. Nov., 1865. 
XII. * Nathaniel, b. July 14, 1779. 



Nathaniel Whittier became a farmer, and settled 
upon the old homestead, where his life was passed. He 
md., Nov. 6, 18 13, Alice, dau. of Paul and Mercy (Stevens) 
Sears of Winthrop, where she was b., Oct. 22, 1785 : d. 
Aug. 12, 1873. He d. May 30, 1837. Eight children: — 

I. Hirafn Benjamin, b. July 26, 1814; md., Mar. 16, 
1858, Anna Butler, dau. of Aaron and Elfrida 
(Greenleaf) Stoyell ; d. at Somerville, Mass., 
Mar. 30, 1882. 
Mary Jane, b. Apr. 20, 1816; d. Mar. 11, 1818. 
Willia7n Henry, b. Oct. 29, 1817 ; md., Sept. 16, 
1857, Mary H. Bass. Resides in Portland. 
IV. ^Nathaniel Gross, b. May 17, 1820. 
V. Caroline Elizabeth, b. Apr. i, 1822 ; md., July i, 
1841, William Woods, q. v. ; d. Apr. 28, 1865. 
Mercy Emetine, \-^^ o 

Mary Atigeline, \ ' '^' 

Alice Adeline, b. Nov. 7, 1826; md., Jan. 26, 1858, 
Lewis J. Hall; d. Sept. 19, 1882. 

Nathaniel G. Whittier resides in this town, upon a 
portion of the estate left by his father, and is a thrifty 
farmer. He md., Apr. 3, 1858, Mary L. Hardy, b. in 
Anson, Mar. 11, 1831. Three children : — 

I. Cora Mabel, b. July 18, i860; d. May 23, 1861. 
II. Erank Nathaniel, b. Dec. 12, 1861. Graduated 

from Bowdoin College in 1885. 
III. Carrie Augusta, b. Oct. 20, 1867. 



II. 
III. 



VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 617 

Samuel Woods, from whom the Farmington family of Woods is 
descended, was an original proprietor of Groton, Mass., and owned an 
eleven-acre right. In 1666 he held the office of constable, and served 
the town in other capacities. His six children, two sons and four 
daughters, were natives of Groton. Dr. Green, in his book entitled 
"Groton During the Indian Wars," records the following deposition of 
Samuel Woods, and also one of Alice his wife : " Samuell Woodes of 
Groton aged aboute 40 yers of age witnes that he saw tooe indens stand- 
ing upon captine parker's Land, at grotten, and danill adams shote at 
tham and one of thame falle doune and the other ran away 17 : day of 2 : 
month : 1676. Mark of T Samuel Woods. Alse Woods aged about forty 
yeares testifieth & saith that at Grooton upon the day that moste of the 
Towne was burnt by the Indians she heard several! say that Daniell 
Adams had killed an Indian and she went vp presently into Mr. Willard's 
Garrit and saw two Indians stand over a dead Indian about halfe an 
liour and they carried him away & further saith not. the mark of O 
Alse Woods." Nathaniel Woods, second son of Samuel and Alice 
Woods, was born March 25, 1667-8. He resided in Groton, and was 
selectman of the town in 1706. He died June 20, 1738, and his wife 
Alice died Jan. 10, 1717-S. To them were born twelve children. 
Nathaniel, the eldest, and his brother Reuben, were soldiers sent in a 
company from Groton to Boston on military service in 1746. Daniel, 
the second, accompanied Capt. John Lovewell to Pequawket, and was 
killed in his famous fight with the Indians, May 8, 1725, while Nathaniel 
may have been the Sergt. Woods who, with seven other soldiers, was 
left to guard the stockade at Ossipee while the command went forward.* 
Jonathan, the youngest, was in the expedition to Nova Scotia in 1755 
for the banishment of the Acadians. The above-mentioned Nathaniel 
Woods and Alice his wife were the parents of five sons : Nathaniel, the 
fourth, was born June 3, 1732, and married Anne French. The births 
of their five children are here recorded: Anne, born Feb. 16, 1755; 
John P>ench, born Aug. 9, 1756; Jonas, born Nov. 29, 1759; Nathaniel, 
born Sept. 6, 1760; Peter, born May 29, 1763. 



John F. Woods, son of Nathaniel and Anne (French) 
Woods, was a native of Groton, Mass., where his ancestors 
had resided since the first settlement. In the spring of 
1788 his removal with his family to the Sandy River town- 
ship took place. The journey was made with ox-leams, 
and consumed twenty-three days, from March 11, to April 
3. During the first of the journey a lack of snow detained 
them, and during the last part the unusual depth of the 
snow' prevented them from making rapid progress. Mr. 



* Potter's History of Manchester. 



6i8 



HISTORY OF FARMTNGTON. 



s 

(3) 



13 

14 



Woods settled upon the farm in the southwest part of the 
town, back-lot No. 6, which is still owned by his descend- 
ants. 

Mr. Woods was a man much esteemed in the com- 
munity. He was one of the original members of the Free- 
will Baptist Church, and a ruling elder in that communion. 
He served the town as selectman in 1804-5-6, and again 
in 18 12-13. He md., Oct. 28, 1778, Mrs. Mary, widow 
of Peter Parker, Sr., and dau. of Ebenezer Butterfield, q. v. 
His death occurred Oct. 3, 18 18, and his widow survived 
him until Oct. 16, 1844, attaining the great age of ninety- 
six years. Four children : — 

I. Luanda^ b. in Groton, Mass., June 26, 17S0; md., 
Feb. 10, tSoi, David Morrill, q. v.\ d. Oct. i, 

IS.'.?- 
II. * John French, b. in Groton, Sept. 11, 1783. 
in. Alice Taylor, \i. in Groton, Aug. 30, 1786; md., 

March 28, 1805, John Gould, q. v. ; d. Oct. 25, 

1859. 
IV. * Nathaniel, b. in Farmington, Dec. 14, 1789. 



John French Woods, Jr., settled upon a part of the 
homestead farm, and there made his home for life. He 
was connected with the militia, and attained the rank of 
major in that organization. Mr. Woods md., in 1806, 
Elizabeth, dau. of Solomon Adams, Esq., q. v. He d. 
May 5, 1865, and his wife survived him ten years, until 
Aug. 10, 1875. Seven children : — 

I. Elizabeth, b. May 3, 1S07 ; md., Dec. 27, 1827, 

Samuel, son of Henry Butterfield, q. v. 
11. Hatinah, b. Nov. 26, 1808; md., Nov. 13, 1828, 

Isaac Russell, q. v. ; d. June 21, 1883. 
HI. * John Adams, Sept. 29, 1810. 

IV. Sarah, b. Dec. 24, 1812; md., Dec. i, 1831, 
Elkanah Oaks, who was b. in New Vineyard, 
March 19, 1806, and d. Sept. 27, 1879. 3 
chil. : 

1. Sarah Marilla Oaks, b. Feb. 17, 1834; 

md., May 21, 1856, Isaac Webster 
Young. 2 chil. 

2. John Francis Oaks, b. Oct. 28, 1838 ; d. 

Aug. 3> 1849. 

3. Charles Henry Oaks, b. Dec. i, 1844; 

md., October 9, 1878, Juliette Cobb 
Haynes. Is a physician residing at 
West Farmington ; s. p. 

V. Ltccinda, b. March i, 1815; md., Jan. 23, 1845, 
Albion P., son of Nathaniel Russell, q. v. 

VI. * William, b. Nov. 29, 181 7. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 619 

VII. Alary Butterfield, b. July 26, 1827; mcL, Jan. 28, 
1850, Charles B. Russell, q. v. 



Nathaniel Woods was the only child of his parents 
born in Farmington, In early life he was a school teacher, 
and was very successful in this profession. He taught no 
less than twenty-two schools in Farmington and adjoining 
towns. Mr. Woods succeeded to the homestead farm, 
which he made his home and where he lived to the 
advanced age of ninety-five years. He was noted among 
his fellow-townsmen tor his great industry and excellent 
sense. He early connected himself with the militia, and 
rose through regular gradation to the command of the 
Second Regiment. He also served the town as selectman 
in 1824. Col. Woods has been three times married : Oct. 
15, 181 1, to Hannah, dau. of Solomon Adams, q. v., who 
d. March 15, 1841 ; (2), July 18, 1841, to Mrs Lurana 
Morrill, widow of Benjamin F. Weathern of Vienna, who 
was b. Dec. 14, 1806, and d. Sept. 15, 1852 ; (3), Jan. 30, 
1853, to Mrs. Mary Moore, widow of Moses Fellows and 
dau. of James Craig, b. in Readfield, July 25, 1800, and d. 
March 28, 1872. Col. Woods d. May 26, 1S85. Seven 
children : — 

I. Mary Ami, b. Oct. 29, 1812 ; md., June 11, 1833, 
Joseph, son of Joseph Milliken, q. v. ; d. July 
17, 1867 ; he d. April 29, 1873. 
II. Nathaniel, b. June 8, 1814: d. April 18, 1838; 
unmd. 

III. Sarah Adams, b. April 5, 1819; md., June i, 

1 841, William Tripp of Wilton, who d. March 
30, 1878. 3 chil. : 

1. William Wallace Tripp, b. Aug. 31, 1843 ; 

d. Feb. 13, 1863. 

2. Flora Louisa Tripp, b. March 26, 1849; 

md., Dec. 22, 1873, P'ioramond E., 
son of Louis Voter, q. 71. 

3. Flora Louisa Tripp, b. May 6, 1851 ; d. 

Sept. 13, 1852. 

IV. Solomofi Adams, b. Feb. 3. 1823 ; d, Aug. 8, 1825. 
v. * Solomon Adams, b. Oct. 7, 1827. 

VI. * John French, b. Oct. 18, 1830. 

Second marringe : 

VII. Lurana Hannah, b. May 19, 1844; d. May 29, 
1844. 



John Adams Woods first settled on a part of the Silas 
Gould farm, back-lot No. 7, west side, but removed with 
his family to Boston in August, 1862, where he engaged in 
the insurance business. Mr. Woods is an amateur poet of 



620 



HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 



26 



27 

28 
29 

30 

31 

32 
33 



34 

35 



(23) 



36 
37 

38 



no mean ability, and has written many poems for special 
occasions of much merit. He md., Dec. 27, 1838, Maria, 
dau. of Oliver Sewall of Chesterville. Eight children : — 

I. John Harrison, b. Aug. 23, 1840; graduated from 
Bowdoin College in 1864, adopted the profes- 
sion of teaching, and is now a teacher and 
composer of music in Boston. He md., July 
25, 1865, Henrietta, dau. of Isaac Whitlier. 
2 chil. 
II. Justin Sylvester, b. May 11, 1842; d. Sept. 4, 
1843. 

III. EHen Maria, b. March 25, 1844. 

IV. E?n?na Caroline, b. May 15, 1846; md., Feb. 21, 

1870, Arthur P. Ford of Boston. 2 chil. 
V. Marietta Delphifie, b. May 3, 1848 ; d. Aug. 26, 

1874. 
VI. Jothani Sewall, b. June 26, 1852. 
VII. Mabel Harriet, b. April 3, i860. 
VIII. Lena Eliza, b. Dec. 17, 1864. 



William Woods first settled as a farmer on a part of 
the homestead. He removed from town about 1868, and 
now resides in Lowell, Mass. He md,, July i, 1841, 
Caroline, dau. of Nathaniel Whittier, q. v., who d. April 
28, 1865. He md. (2), Feb. 28, 1873, Mrs. M. Frances 
(Lake) Laughton. Two children : — 

I. Alice Allura, b. Sept. 2, 1847. 

II. Carrie Estelle, b. Nov. 17, 1852 ; md., Feb. 29, 
1876, Frank W. Lunt ; md. (2). Sept. 8, 1883, 
Dr. J. L. Williams of New Haven, Ct. i child 
by first marriage. 



Solomon Adams Woods, son of Nathaniel Woods, 
left Farmington when a young man, in 1851, and went to 
Boston to begin life for himself. He finally settled in 
South Boston and engaged in the manufacture of machin- 
ery, in which business he has gained a substantial fortune. 
He is a man of unusual business capacity, and is highly 
esteemed in the commercial circles of his adopted city. 
He has several times been called to fill positions in the 
city government. Mr. Woods md., Aug. 21, 1854, Sarah 
Elizabeth, dau. of Benjamin F. and Lurana (Morrill) 
Weathern, who d. Dec. 9, 1862 ; he md. (2), Oct. 29, 1867, 
Sarah Catherine, dau. of Charles S. and Sarah (Fishburn) 
Watts of Boston. Three children : — 

I. Frank Forrest, b. Oct. 3, 1855. 
II. Florence, b. Feb. 13, 1857. 

Second marriage : 

III. Frederic Adams, b. Jan. 29, 1873. 



GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 



621 



(24) 



39 



40 



John French Woods, 2D, carries on the homestead 
farm, although residing in the village. For fifteen years 
he has been actively engaged in the insurance business, 
which has consumed the greater part of his time. He 
md., Jan. 5, 1858, Georgiana Payson, dau. of Rev. Jonas 
and Jane (Merrill) Burnham, a lady of great worth and of 
rare musical attainments. One child : — 

I. Cornelia Jeiifiie, b. Jan. 10, 1864; md., May 21, 
1883, Frank Edwards McLeary, of the publish- 
ing firm of Knovvlton, McLeary, and Co. He 
is the son of Justin E. and Harriet A. (Voter) 
McLeary, and was b. in Strong, May 13, 1859. 
I child : 

I. Annie Woods McLeary, b. Feb. 9, 1884, 



79 



Brief Biographies of Early Settlers. 



In the foregoing Genealogical Register the reader will 
find biographical sketches of the more prominent early 
settlers of the Sandy River township, whose descendants 
reside in town. There are, however, others who came to 
the township and made settlements for longer or shorter 
periods before the incorporation of the town, but whose 
families are now extinct. Little is known of their subse- 
quent history. 

It is proposed in this chapter to say something of these 
families, premising that the material at hand is meager, the 
facts herein stated being drawn largely from Judge Parker's 
History, a few scattered dates and notes in the town records, 
and also from fast-fading memories. 

Moses Adams was born in what is now the town of 
Bowdoin in 1770. He came to the settlement in 1789, and 
began to make improvements on back-lot No. 28, east side, 
a part of the same lot known as the William Cothren farm. 
He was an inhabitant of the town at the time of its incor- 
poration, but afterwards disposed of his land to David Coth- 
ren, and removed to Wilton, settling upon the farm now 
owned by Samuel K. Wellman, where he lived until his 
death, Jan. 4, 1855. ^^is wife's name was Martha Kinney. 



624 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

John Austin was a native of England, and came from 
Brunswick to the township. He was a soldier under Gen. 
Wolfe, and shared the fortunes of that victorious general in 
the battle fought on the plains of Abraham, near Quebec, 
Sept. 13, 1759. He was also in the Continental Army 
during the Revolutionary War. Mr. Austin was the first 
sexton in town, and served in that capacity many years. His 
settlement was on river-lot No. 46, west side, opposite the 
Center Village. Mrs. Austin, familiarly known among the 
early settlers as "Granny Asten," was a native of Cape Ann, 
and one of those rare women full of energy and capable of 
great endurance. As a doctress she rendered efficient service 
to the inhabitants for many years, and was largely employed 
in midwifery, a branch of medical practice in which she 
excelled. Few children were born in the township for the 
first fifteen years after its settlement, at whose birth she did 
not preside. Her field of visitation was mostly confined to 
the settlements on the river, occasionally, however, extending 
to what are now the towns of Stark and New Sharon, and 
also to Strong and Avon. When visiting her patients at a 
distance, she frequently went and came by boat ; while at 
other times she would travel miles on foot, braving the 
merciless storms of midnight, and allowing no obstacles to 
prevent the accomplishment of her purpose. The town 
records state that " Jerusha Asten died in Jesse Gould's 
house, October ye 6, A. D. 1804." 

Joseph Battle made the first improvements upon front- 
lot No. 33, west side, in 1787. He also made the first im- 
provements in what is called the Holley neighborhood, in 
1790, and erected the first framed barn in that part of the 
township. His marriage with Eunice Maloon, in 1784, was 
the first solemnized in the township. The ceremony was 
performed by Dummer Sewall of Bath, in Joseph Holland's 
log-house, a rude dwelling without a floor. A quarter of 
of baked lamb was served to the guests on the occasion, but 
they had no knives except those they carried with them. 
Mr. Battle's death probably occurred in 1798, and his widow 



BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 625 

married, Feb. 28, 1804, John Brooks, who settled in New 
Vineyard. The following are the names and births of Mr. 
Battle's children as recorded upon the town books : Anna, 
born Jan. 26, 1786; John, born March 8, 1787; Joseph, born 
Oct. 17, 1789; Betsey, born Nov. 26, 1791 ; James, born 
Aug. 23, 1793; William, born April 7, 1795; Daniel, born 
Jan. 23, 1797. 

Nehemiah Blodgett came to the township in 1780, and 
began improvements on front-lot No. 44, east side, a part of 
the same now owned by Hon. George Gower. Nothing is 
known of his ancestry, although it is quite probable that he 
came from Dunstable, Mass., where the families of Blodgett, 
in the latter part of the last century, were very numerous as 
well as very respectable. He may have joined in the first 
exodus from that old town to the Sandy River valley. At 
the first meeting of Reuben Colburn and his associates, held 
at Sandy River, Oct. 15, 1783, Mr. Blodgett was chosen clerk 
of the association. He built the third framed house in the 
township about 1787. The town records show that Jacob 
Blodgett, son of Nehemiah and Abi Blodgett, was born May 
16, 1783, and consequently must have been the third child 
born in the township. Mr. Blodgett sold his farm to a Mr. 
Ditson, and he to Capt. Samuel Brown, who erected the 
house now occupied by Mr. Gower in 1801. Mr. Brown died 
at sea in 181 1, and his widow, Mrs. Susanna Brown, died 
Sept. 18, 1846, aged 94 years. Mr. Blodgett removed from 
town, and his later history is unknown. 

Eli Brainerd settled in 1788 on back-lot No. 4, west 
side (formerly occupied by Leonard M. Hiscock), but soon 
removed to one of the Southern States, since when all 
knowledge of him is lost. 

Samuel Briggs was the first settler, in 1786, on river- 
lot No. 28, west side, owned by LaForest and Melville P. 
Tufts. He sold in 1796 to Capt. Nathaniel Hersey, and 
removed to No. i, now Temple, but returned to this town, 
by which he was supported many years. 



626 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Joseph Brown and Nathaniel Davis came to the 
township in April, 1781. Their families were the first who 
penetrated the wilderness this side of Readfield. The road 
at this time was only a path bushed out along the river, and 
full of dangers. The travellers made but slow progress, and 
as Mrs. Brown, who on account of lameness was on horseback, 
was riding down a steep descent, within a short distance of 
their journey's end, she was thrown over the horse's head 
and somewhat injured. Having made but little preparation 
for the accommodation of his family, Mr. Brown erected a 
temporary camp, where they passed the first night in what 
was to be the beautiful town of Farmington. Mr. Brown 
made his settlement on front-lot No. 18, east side, now 
owned by D. V. B. Ormsby and others. He erected a log- 
house on the interval, which was surrounded by water in the 
great freshet of Oct. 22, 1785, when his family, during the 
hours of midnight darkness, were compelled to make their 
escape in a canoe. Pie afterwards erected a framed house 
on the upland, in 1793, and built the first framed barn in the 
upper part of the town in 1787, fastening on the boards with 
pegs. The frost of Aug. 9, 1783, subjected him to serious 
loss in his crops. In 1796 he sold his farm to John Patter- 
son from Damariscotta, and removed to Industry, where his 
death occurred about 18 10. Mr. Brown was born on the banks- 
of the Merrimac in Massachusetts, and served as a soldier in 
the French War, receiving a wound which partially crippled 
him. Mrs. Brown, whose maiden name was Mary Greeley, 
was a native of Haverhill, Mass. 

Joshua Bullen, the son of Samuel and Anna (Brown) 
Bullen, was born in Hallowell, March 17, 1766, and came to 
the township with his parents when a lad of sixteen. He 
afterwards became a settler on front-lot No. 34, east side, 
which he sold to Joseph Pease. This farm is now owned by 
Herman Corbett. Mr. Bullen removed to New Sharon, 
where he became an extensive farmer. He died at an 
advanced age. 



BRIEF B/(JgRAPH/ES. 627 

Zaccheus Clough was born in Ipswich, Mass., from 
whence he came to the Sandy River Lower Township in 
1787 with a family, and settled on river lot No. 20, west side 
(long owned and occupied by Josiah B. Gordon). Here he 
resided until his death, which occurred early in the second 
quarter of the present century. At the time of his removal 
he brought with his family a negress by the name of Chloe 
Norway, who was a faithful domestic and continued in 
service until she was wooed and won (December, 1807) by a 
gentleman of African descent named Domas Harris. They 
went to reside in Portland, but Chloe, not finding the path- 
way in her new relation strewn with flowers, soon abandoned 
her husband and sought the protection and support of Mr. 
Clough. With him she remained until 18 19, when she made 
the acquaintance of Henry Gardiner, another gentleman of 
color, and a fiddler who plied his profession upon various 
muster-fields during the autumn for the benefit of those who 
wished to regale themselves in the merry dance. Mr. Gardi- 
ner proposed, Mrs. Harris accepted, and they were united in 
January, 1820. They moved to Chesterville, where Mr. 
Gardiner died in September, 1825. She afterwards married 
York Hastings, and lived in Anson, where her death 
occurred at an advanced age. 

Capt. Enoch Coffin was the successor of Capt. Peter 
West upon the Tobey farm, where he is found in 1796 as a 
tavern-keeper. He was on board the privateer brig Gcii. 
Arnold when she was cast away at Plymouth, and was one 
of the fifteen survivors out of one hundred and five persons 
on board that ill-fated vessel. Capt. Cofifin caused to be 
painted, as an attractive feature of the tavern sign, a picture 
of the Gr)i. Arnold. ■ On one side she is represented with 
sails set and flags flying, sailing on a cruise ; on the other 
she is represented in distress, with her masts cut away and 
the waves breaking over her deck. Capt. Cofifin died in 
1798. 

Efukaim Cowan of Dunstable, Mass., came to what is 
now the Citv of Augusta in 1763, and settled on the lot 



628 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

where the State House now stands. In 1787 he removed 
with his family to river-lot No. 7, east side, in the township, 
now owned by Augustus H. Streeter and others. He served 
as a soldier in the French War, and was by trade a shoe- 
maker. For many years, in connection with other pursuits, 
he pushed the awl and waxed the thread in order to boot and 
shoe the children of the early settlers. Mr. Cowan was the 
first clerk of the "Sandy River Associates," and had taken 
an active part in the purchase and settlement of the town- 
ship previous to his removal thither. He died June 9, 1797. 
His son, David B. Cowan, is found a settler in 1787 upon lot 
No. 8, adjoining that of his father on the south ; but about 
1800 he began to make improvements on a portion of .the 
State lot, where Hiram S. Davis now lives, and to which he 
removed with his family in 1805. His death occurred in 
1830. From him Cowan's Hill derives its name. 

Hugh Cox was a resident of the town at the date of its 
incorporation. He was a native of Bristol, and came to the 
township a single man in 1786. His improvements were 
made on front-lot No. 34, west side. During the last years 
of his life he became insane, and probably died in Gardiner, 
as he is found residing there with his family early in the 
present century. 

Philip Davenport was an early resident of the town- 
ship, having purchased river-lot No. 13, east side, in 1783. 
In December, 1787, he lost a child, which was interred in 
the "old burying-ground." He built a log-house near the 
river previous to 1793. 

Nathaniel Davis, as has been stated, came with his 
family to the Sandy River Valley in the spring of 1781. He 
chose for his farm river-lot No. 28, east side, now " Little 
Blue," and soon erected a substantial log-house. His resi- 
dence there, however, was brief, for in 1793 he sold to 
Samuel Pool and removed to Phillips, where his wife died. 
He died in Temple several years later. 



BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 629 

JosiAH Everett was probably born in Walpole, Mass., 
and was a twin brother of Mrs. Lucy Turner, wife of Reuben 
Turner. He was bred to the sea, and in the latter part of 
the Revolutionary War entered the privateer service under 
that renowned naval commander, Samuel Tucker, familiarly 
known as "Commodore" Tucker. Mr. Everett settled upon 
a part of front-lot No. 45, west side, in 1790, but subsequently 
removed to New Portland, where he died at an advanced age, 
leaving numerous descendants. The writer regrets that he 
has failed to obtain his family register. 

Seth and Joseph Greeley were natives of Haverhill, 
Mass., whence they removed to Hallowell with their father, 
Moses Greeley, where Seth and Moses are found, under date 
of Oct. 9, 1765, grantees by the Plymouth Company of two 
lots of land upon condition of performing certain settlers' 
duties. The father, Moses Greeley, was a native of England, 
and with his sons subsecjuently removed to Winthrop, about 
1779, and thence to the Sandy River township in 1782. 
Joseph, having purchased of a Mr. Snow his improvements, 
settled upon the lot owned by the heirs of Hiram B. Stoyell 
and others, upon which a large part of the Center Village 
stands. He further improved the land by clearing and 
erecting buildings, among which was a framed barn built in 
1788. He finally sold his farm to Zaccheus Mayhew, and 
removed to Washington Plantation, now Belgrade, where he 
died many years ago. Seth, his brother, settled upon lot No. 
24 in 1 782, and in 1 790 sold to Supply Belcher and removed 
with his father to Phillips, where the latter died at an ad- 
vanced age. From Phillips he removed in 18 18 to Mainville, 
O., where he died. He married Jane McCausland, a daughter 
of Henry McCausland of Hallowell. They were the parents 
of seventeen children, among whom were: Hannah, who 
married Lsaac Davenport ; Polly, who married Samuel 
Church; Moses, who was born Nov. 27, 1777, and married 
Sarah, daughter of Benjamin and Lydia (Blunt) Blackstone ; 
Jane and Mehitable, who married brothers, Josiah and Benj- 
amin I'ufts; Henry, who married Sally Keen; Seth, who 

80 



630 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

married Jane, daughter of Walter and Jane (Hillman) Board- 
man ; David, who married Betsey Penny ; and Daniel, who 
married Nancy Brown. 

Oliver Hartwell. The town records show that Oliver 
Hartwell was born Oct. 10, 1762, and Rachel his wife, July 

12, 1768. In 1789 they were residents upon a portion of 
back-lot No. 6, east side, which upon their removal from 
town was sold to Israel Webster, and afterwards to l^^lijah 
and Rufus Smith from Martha's Vineyard. 

Joseph Holland's first settlement was on front-lot No. 
25, east side, in 1783, where that portion of the Center 
Village north of Broadway and Perham St. is located. This 
having passed into the hands of John Church in 1790, Mr. 
Holland made a settlement on front-lot No. 43, west side. 
He afterwards became one of the early pioneers of No. i, 
now Temple. 

Lemuel Howes was the first settler, in 1787, upon a 
part of river-lot No. 48, east side, near the P^alls village, 
where he died in the early part of this century. 

John Huston was a native of Dunstable, Mass., and the 
first settler, in 1783, on river-lot No. 17, east side, now 
owned by Charles P\ Butler and others, where he made a 
clearing on the interval and built a log-house. In 1792 he 
made another clearing, and built another log-house near the 
location of the village at Backus Corner. He was succeeded 
by Solomon Butler of Martha's Vineyard, and spent the 
latter part of his life in Industry, supported by the town. 
Mr. Huston was born Sept. 14, 1738, and married for his 
second wife, Sept. 26, 1799, Nancy p:agle. 

Robert Jones. Upon his removal to the township, 
Robert Jones purchased of Philip Davenport front-lot No. 

13, east side, which included the privilege of the P'airbanks 
stream, upon which mills were built in 1794. Some four 
years later the mill property passed into the hands of Hart- 
son Cony, and Mr. Jones, having disposed of his real estate, 



BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 63 1 

left town. The writer in his researches has failed to find 
anything- in regard to Mr. Jones' subsequent history. 

William Kannady came from that part of Hallowell 
now Augusta, in company with Enoch Craig, in 1781. His 
first choice of land was front-lot No. 22, east side, known 
as the Heath farm, where he constructed a log-house on the 
first elevation above the interval. His next choice was 
front-lot No. 12, east side, where he is found in 1793 a 
petitioner for the incorporation of the town. Nothing is 
known of the ancestry of Mr. Kannady. He came to the 
township with a wife, who died in January, 1788, probably 
without children. She was the third adult who died in the 
township, and was buried in the " old burying-ground," sit- 
uated on the high land a little east of the present Center 
Bridge. Mr. Kannady afterwards married Sarah Smith. 
Mr. Craig accompanied the contracting parties to Hallowell, 
where the marriage was solemnized. After several removals, 
during which was a brief residence in Temple, Mr. Kannady 
again settled in Farmington, on the Jonathan Butler lot in 
the Holley neighborhood, where his death occurred in 1820. 

Thomas Kinney came to Sandy River Lower Town- 
ship, from Hallowell, and in 1789 commenced improvements 
on river-lot No. 5, west side. He became discouraged by 
reason of a partial loss of his crops by frost, and previous to 
1793 sold his improvements to Col. Moses Chandler, and 
returned to his native town, where he died. 

Samuel Lovejoy, from Methuen, Mass., was for a brief 
time a resident of the town, and occupied river-lot No. 42, 
west side, afterwards purchased by Dr. Stoyell and now 
owned by Charles E. Butler. Mr. Lovejoy was a selectman 
in 1805. His wife, whom he married Nov. 27, 1788, was 
Esther Morse. His children were: Nancy, born Aug. 21, 
1789; Samuel, born Aug. 26, 1791 ; Thaddeus, born Feb. 
27, 1794; Benjamin, born April 21, 1797; Abigail, born 
Dec. 25, 1799; William, born Jan. 28, 1803; James Sullivan, 
born April 12, 1808. 



632 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Zaccheus Mayhew was a resident of Farmington in 
1794, having come to the settlement three years before. He 
made improvements and built a large house upon the lot 
which he purchased of Joseph Greeley, and afterwards made 
a home on back-lot No. 22, east side. Mr. Mayhew com- 
menced the transportation of mails from Farmington to 
Hallowell about 1793, and was the first mail-carrier between 
those points. He married Pamela, daughter of Ebenezer 
and Jean (Marchant) Smith of Martha's Vineyard, for his 
first wife, and afterwards her sister Love. The latter part 
of his life was spent in Nobleborough, where he died. 

Abraham Page was the first settler on front-lot No. 29, 
west side, now owned by Melville P. Tufts and others. He 
was regarded as an industrious workman and capable of 
performing a vast amount of labor. No man in the region 
could use an axe or scythe to better advantage, and the 
highest wages were always paid him. He had, however, no 
faculty for working for himself, alleging that he was such a 
poor paymaster. Mr. Page's last years were spent in Indus- 
try. He married, in 1797, Mary Robbins, and had five 
children, born in Farmington : Bethiah, born April 23, 
1 798 ; Abigail, born March 26, 1 800 ; Lydia, born March 4, 
1802; Isaac, born May 5, 1805; Abraham, born Feb. 23, 
1806. 

EzEKiEL and Amos Page, father and son, were originally 
from Haverhill, Mass., but came to Augusta, then Cushnoc, 
in 1762. They subsequently removed to what is now Bel- 
grade, and thence to the township, where they were the first 
settlers, in 1782, on lots No. 31 and 32, east side, owned by 
Richard R. Norton and others. Their log-cabins were built 
below the ridge, near the interval. In 1790 they left the 
Sandy River valley, and nothing further in regard to their 
history has been learned. 

Isaac Page in 1787 cleared and cultivated the land now 
owned by Alfred Bradford and others — then known as front- 
lot No. 43, west side, — and became the first settler thereon, 



BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 633 

remaining, however, but a short time. He seems to have 
had no permanent abode, and his wanderings would be 
difficult to trace. 

Reuben Page was among the early inhabitants of the 
Sandy River Lower Township, but his residence must have 
been very brief, as he is succeeded by Ebenezer Sweet in 
1782. While he remained he was located on front-lot No. 
27, east side, the land upon which the southern portion of 
the Center Village now stands. 

Isaac Perkins and his brother-in-law, Otis P'oster, from 
Winthrop, were the first occupants of back-lots No. 14 and 
15, east side, and were associated in making improvements 
and erecting buildings. Mr. Foster, however, soon left 
town — perhaps returning to Winthrop. He was the son of 
Timothy and Abigail (Allen) Foster, and was born May 8, 
1773. He married Lucy Norris, and had a daughter, Phebe, 
born Sept. 18, 1800. Mr. Perkins subsequently removed to 
river-lot No. 6, east side, where the remainder of his life was 
spent. In religious faith he was a Free- Will Baptist, and a 
man of devoted piety, always contributing liberally to the 
support of religious institutions. His first wife was \\X\z- 
abeth, daughter of Timothy Foster, and his second wife was 
Rebecca Johnson. His children were : Nabby, Isaac, Bet- 
sey, Timothy Foster, Mary Foster, Jonathan, Samuel Dalton, 
Sumner, Dennis, and George. 

Samuel Pool, as has been stated, was the successor of 
Nathaniel Davis on lot No. 28, east side, where he erected a 
tannery which was in successful operation for some years. 
Mr. Pool was a Revolutionary soldier, and a pensioner under 
the act of 181 8. He removed to Mt. Vernon, where his 
death occurred. The town records give the births of his 
children as follows: Olive, born May 15, 1792; George, 
born May 18, 1794; Harriet, born Jan. i, 1797, died June 17, 
1799; Samuel, born Sept. 28, 1798; William, born May 28, 
1800; Harriet, born Jan. 24, 1802; Benjamin, born Oct. 26, 
1806; Thomas, born March 31, 181L His wife was Abiah 
Pease. 



634 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Isaac Powers. According to the plan of the town, 
Isaac Powers is found a resident upon river-lot No. 41, west 
side, in 1793. He afterwards purchased river-lot No. 34, 
west side, where he is said to have been the first permanent 
settler, although Hugh Cox had previously made a clearing 
upon it. Mr. Powers sold the first-named lot, now the farm 
of Capt. Alvan Currier, to Ezra Thomas previous to 1800; 
and the second lot, now the farm of Leander A. Daggett, to 
Ephraim G. Butler about 1806. 

John Rice in 1783 purchased the farm now owned by- 
Jonathan S. Ellis, Jr., — and then known as river-lot No. n, 
west side, — and in 1795 sold it to Capt. Jonathan Cushman 
of New Bedford, for six hundred dollars in specie. He 
afterwards removed to Hallowell. 

Simeon Russ. Nothing is known of the ancestry and 
birthplace of Simeon Russ, who was a settler in 1783 on 
front-lot No. 15, east side (now owned by Benjamin Stanley), 
and made the first improvements above Joseph Brown's. 
He is next found on the farm now occupied by Elisha Brad- 
ford, and in 1793 on front-lot No. 32, west side; thence he 
removed to the upper lot in town, known as the James 
Wellman farm. About 1820 he abandoned his family, upon 
the pretense of making a home in Canada, but it is believed 
that he went to Boston, where he is known to have resided 
in 1832, and where he probably died. 

Samuel Stowers was born in Worcester, Mass., Nov. 
14, 1762, and married Mary Oaks, born in Milford, Mass., 
June 7, 1768. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and long 
enjoyed the bounty of the government in the receipt of a 
pension, which his wife, who survived him, received under 
one of the later pension acts of Congress. His farm com- 
prised a portion of back-lot No. 2, east side, upon which he 
settled in 1788, and where he died Dec. 16, 1843. 

Abel Sweet, the fourth son of Ebenezer Sweet below- 
mentioned, was an early settler on lot No. 26, adjoining that 



BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 635 

of his father on the north. He married, May 25, 1796, Irene 
Perley of Wilton, and died early in the present century, 
leaving a family of four daughters: Sarah Perley, born 
June 5, 1798; Desire Daggett, born Aug. 5, 1800; Naoma 
Daggett, born Aug. 7, 1804; Sophia Eaton, born Oct. 27, 
1806. 

Ebenezer Sweet was born in Attleborough, Mass., 
Jan. 18, 1741. He came to the settlement in 1782, and 
succeeded Reuben Page as the owner of front-lot No. 27, 
east side, where he resided during his long life. His farm 
became valuable by reason of the growth of the Center 
Village. He was a tanner by trade, and in 1785 erected the 
first tannery in the township, and the only one nearer than 
Winthrop. This tannery was situated on the first elevation 
of land above the interval, near the steam-mill of J. F. 
Prescott and Co. Mr. Sweet was a man of industrious 
habits, and acquired a pecuniary independence. His first 
wife, who was Naoma Daggett, died in June, 1776. His 
second wife. Desire Daggett, was born in Attleborough, Sept. 
17, 1745, and died in Farmington, Oct. 4, 1839. He died 
Nov. 4, 1838, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years and 
ten months. Seven children, natives of Attleborough : Cal- 
vin, born March i, 1765; Arnold, born March 3, 1767; 
P21izabeth, born Oct. 2, 1768; Ellis, born Nov. 20, 1770; 
Abel, born Sept. 20, 1772; BLbenezer, born July 20, 1774; 
Naoma, born June 4, 1776. Col. PLllis Sweet, who became 
the owner of his father's farm about 1822, had previ- 
ously lived in Wayne, where he had owned and operated 
mills which were burned, thus entailing a heavy loss upon 
their proprietor. During the War of 1812 he commanded a 
regiment of militia, and was stationed at l^ath and vicinity 
from Sept. 12 to 2'^, 18 14. He married Mary P\dler, who 
was born in 1780, and died Jan. 2, 1854. His death occurred 
May 7, 1848. Col. Sweet was the father of Eoring and 
Lorilla Sweet, who were former residents of the town, and 
are well remembered by the older citizens. 



636 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Joseph Sylvester. Little is known of Joseph Sylvester 
beyond the fact that he settled on front-lot No. 23, east side 
(the Thomas Hunter lot), in 1785, and on lot No. 44, west 
side, in 1790, and that he was a resident of the town at the 
time of its incorporation. 

Isaac Teague was the first settler on the land now 
owned by Peter P. Tufts and William M. Holley, but re- 
moved in 1790, as P'rancis Tufts, Jr., is found upon the lot 
at the date of incorporation. Mr. Teague was a native of 
Damariscotta, and came to the township in 1782. He had a 
brother, Ezra, who settled in Wilton, and another, Asa, who 
settled in New Sharon. 

Sylvanus Tower is found a resident upon front-lot 
No. 24, west side, in 1790. This land is at present owned 
by P. H. and R. H. Smith. Mr. Tower was a native 
of New Bedford, Mass., and was bred to the sea, spending 
his early life in the whale-fishery, a pursuit in which he was 
very successful. He knew nothing of farming, and the occu- 
pation was repugnant to his tastes. He became despondent, 
and afterwards insane, and wandered away without the 
knowledge of his family. In 1808 the farm was sold to Capt. 
Samuel Smith of Martha's Vineyard. Mrs. Tower married, 
January, 1799, Elijah Pleath, and died in Salem at an ad- 
vanced age. 

John Tuets, son of Francis Tufts, was a native of 
Medford, Mass., and came to the settlement with his father 
in 1783. He was the first occupant of back-lot No. 13, east 
side, a portion of which is now owned by George B. Jennings. 
Previous to the year 1800, Nathaniel Backus of P'almouth, 
Mass., bought this farm, and Mr. Tufts removed to Tyngtown 
(Wilton), and in 1837 to Aurora, Ind., where he died July 2, 
1849. 

Capt. Peter West, from Tisbury, Mass., made a clearing 
and erected buildings in 1791 on the Tobey farm — then 



BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 637 

river-lot No. 20, east side. He next removed to the farm in 
the Bailey neighborhood, owned by John B. Jones and others, 
and subsequently to Hallowell, where he built a small vessel 
which he christened the Bonaparte, in honor of the first 
Consul of France. Capt. West spent his last years in Indus- 
try, where he built the mills since known as West's Mills, 
and where his death occurred Feb. 25, 1828, at the age of 
eighty-two. Peter West, Jr., his son, was a prominent 
business man of Industry for many years. He was killed by 
a fall from his horse-cart, Oct. 4, 1839. 

James Winslow settled on river-lot No. 50, east side, in 
1786, and was in town at the date of its incorporation, but 
early in the present century removed to Industry, where he 
passed the remainder of his days. He married, April 3, 
1798, Betsey Willard of the Plymouth Patent. 



8[ 



POEMS. 



The following poem might more appropriately have been 
inserted in the body of this work, under the temperance 
history of the town, but was not received in season : 

A POEM CONTAINING ADDRESSES TO TEMPERANCE, AND TO 
VARIOUS OTHER CHARACTERS ; DELIVERED IN FARMING- 
TON CENTRE MEETING-HOUSE, JULY 4, 1 833. BY CAPT. 
LEMUEL PERHAM. 

Fair TempVance, thou Goddess, unspeakable worth j 
Angelic thy nature, celestial thy birth ; 
With prime adoration to Heaven's blest King 
Subordinate praises to thee will we bring, 
We '11 pray to the Father for sake of his Son 
To prosper thy cause, for thy cause is his own. 
And hasten millennial glory and bliss, 
When Pagans and Jews and all nations are his : 
When Bacchus's worshippers will not molest, 
No drunken intruder disturbing our rest. 
No riotous tumult performed by thy foes, 
Nor nightly obtruder to break our repose. 
We '11 laud thee with sonnets inspired by the Muse, 
In thy celebration we '11 symphony use ; 
Our hearts and glad voices volition devotes. 
While musical instruments warble the notes. 
Thy retinue 's tenderness, mildness and love. 
And harmlessness equal to that of the Dove, 
With wisdom and sanity, firmness and health, 



640 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Frugality, industry, handmaids of wealth, 
Benevolence, rectitude, patterns for youth : 
Peace, modesty, harmony, prudence and truth ; 
Thy blessings, O TempVance, so vast an amount. 
That time 's insufficient their numbers to count. 
Thy character. Goddess, the better to show. 
Contrast it with that of thy barbarous foe. 

His name is Intemperance, poison his breath ; 
His office prime-agent and servant of Death. 
A foe of tranquility, urging a storm, 
A foe of all those who thy retinue form, 
A foe of humanity, scourge and a rod, 
A foe of religion, a foe of our God. 
Intemperance ! disgusting his visage to see. 
That caution and prudence his presence will flee ; 
He 's ugly, deformed, pestilential his walk 
As Java's dire valley, where criminals stalk. 
His retinue form a most hideous clan. 
Offensive to God and destructive to man ; 
Of this numerous train we will mention a few. 
And set them in order the better to view ; 
Profanity, blasphemy, infidel-pride. 
Contention and hatred and vile homicide. 
Infanticide, fratricide ; patricide too 
And matricide ! murder ! where rev'rence is due ; 
The murder of sisters, the murder of wives, 
Companions we ought to hold dear as our lives ; 
The flanks of his army extending so wide 
Including^all evil, with fell suicide ; 
Gross carelessness, idleness, gambling and strife, 
Perverseness to children, unkindness to wife ; 
With lost oiDportunity, murder of time. 
And all other items that constitute crime ; 
Dishonor and infamy, shame and disgrace. 
Stern poverty staring him full in the face ; 
Insanity, madness, infirmness we view. 
Diseases of all kinds augmenting the crew ; 
Immodest behavior, obsceneness in thought. 
Base actions committed, lewd company sought ; 
The slaves of Intemp'rance complete their own shame 
By crimes, which chaste modesty blushes to name. 
That monster of Demons his havoc extends. 
While foes may escape him, he murders his friends, 
And thousands of vot'ries devoured at a meal. 
Like Juggernaut's bigots crushed under his wheel. 



POEMS. 641 

Like Satan, he walks up and down in the earth, 
And seeks to devour by profaneness for mirth, 
And into the temple, e'en pulpit will dodge — 

But by his credentials he enters the Lodge. 

Erst Bacchus astride of a pipe of new wine 

His ancient replenished, who worshipped his shrine, 

His modern adorers now staggering come, 

Or kneeling or prostrate and pray for some Rum. 

American Freemen, especially youth, 
Give aid to fair Temperance, virtue and truth ; 
Spurn horrid Intemperance far from your door. 
Rum, Brandy, Gin, Whiskey, then taste of no more. 

Columbia's daughters, the sex who are fair, 
" Come over and help us " with influence rare ; 
Almost irresistable force female charms. 
And masculine rudeness submits to their arms. 
Then smile on the temp'rate industrious swain 
Whose habits are worthy your favor to gain ; 
But frown on the suitor to Bacchus a slave ; 
Your power we solicit our nation to save. 
Pray, be not deluded, as many have been. 
Expecting mere wedlock to wean one from Gin ; 
For juvenile habits confirm with their age. 
Sobriety, drunkenness, mildness or rage : 
The moderate drinker, when aged twenty-one, 
With moderate increase, at forty 's undone ; 
Then spurn his embraces, and fly from his arms. 
Whose breath exhales fumes, that suspicion alarms. 

Ye Bards, of both sexes, come lend us a strain 
To celebrate Temp'rance and usher her reign ; 
Nor let your dumb harps on the willows recline, 
But tune them to temp'rance whose cause is divine. 
Poetical talent has been much abused. 
Made off 'rings to vices, to virtue refused ; 
Has cherished Intemperance, debauch'ry and strife. 
Blood shedding and carnage, destroying man's life ; 
The worship of Idols in heathenish lands. 
The images moulded by impotent hands. 
Retrieve the ill uses that Poets have made, 
And offer to Temp'rance and virtue your aid. 
Ye females attend to the Muse in the dales. 
And render a tribute as well as the males ; 
Or from mount Parnassus, or mountain called Blue,* 



* An eminence in the vicinity of Farmington, called Blue Mountain. 



642 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Invoke the chaste Muse, and her dictates pursue. 

Ye Heralds of Jesus, of every sect, 
Take int'rest in common, your eflforts connect; 
In favor of Temp'rance unite and be one, 
Let subjects of minor importance alone. 
Inspire by your precepts the flocks of your charge, 
And by your example, the people at large, 
Abstain from excesses in drink and in food, 
Apparel and houses and all temp'ral good ; 
Let strict moderation to all men be known. 
That ye may reap sheaves in the fields ye have sown ; 
Lift, like the shrill trumpet, the warning loud voice ; 
Reform but one drunkard, and heav'n will rejoice ; 
Reprove dire Intemperance, that stalks all around. 
Though not in the limits of pastoral care. 
That blood of his victims may never be found 
Concealed in the skirts of the garments ye wear. 
Invoke the Almighty at the throne of his grace 
To grant to mild Temp'rance the smiles of his face ; 
And bless our endeavors to foster her cause 
By poems, addresses, and singing applause. 
Fulfil all your mission received from above 
In ev'ry condition in labors of love. 

Ye learned Physicians with all due respect 
Your aid we solicit our cause to direct ; 
Admonish your patrons wherever ye go 
To shun the destruction of our common foe, 
By abstinence total, or partial, or not. 
Partaking with tipplers, or shunning the sot; 
Prescribe the best treatment, prescribing 's your trade ; 
We would not the rights of your province invade ; 
Responsible office ; there may it remain. 
And clear your own skirts from the blood of the slain. 

Ye Pensioners, Vet'rans and heroes of old. 
Who scorned to screen Andre for sake of his gold, 
When offered profusely to sentry in arms 
A bribe to dissuade him from making alarms, 
To let him proceed on his route, and pass by. 
Whom Clinton had sent on our lines for a Spy ; 
When Arnold, like Judas, a traitor became, 
And stigma indelible fixt on his name. 
Ye valiantly fought in the battles most hot 
In old Revolution, or since ; and for what? 
To gain independence which freedom supports 
From British ascendance, and all foreign courts. 



POEMS. 643 

We scorned to be conquered while favored with breath, 
Our motto was VICTORY — victVy or death. 
Come, come, fellow soldiers, our comrades of yore, 
Let us gird on the harness of battle once more, 
Repel foes without, and the foes running in. 
Disdain to be conquered by Brandy or Gin, 
Or any crowned head of the Alcohol blood, 
And each win a laurel in battles of God ; 
(Nor humor our guest and betray each ourself. 
As Judas, his master, for sake of the pelf.) 
With Washington crowned with a bright Diadem 
Till crowns are cast down at the feet of the Lamb ; 
Coequal with Father and Holiest Ghost, 
Salvation's Chief Captain and Marshal of host. 

ArtiPrists, defenders of Freedom's good laws. 
Enroll in the ranks of our Goddess' cause ; 
Then load your long nines and stand fast on the ground. 
Nor fear to touch match lest our foes you should wound. 
Don't spare for good powder for fear some should split ; 
Take aim with acuteness your object to hit ; 
Take grape, double-headed, and langrage for shot ; 
To blow magazines up use round, heated hot ; 
Then draw the bright blade and the cuticle prick ; 
Nor fear to make thrust that shall pierce to the quick. 
Let Cavalry * follow, when ranks ye have broke. 
With pistol and sabre repeat the dire stroke. 
And prove by experience when enemies reel 
One spur in the head exceeds two on the heel ; 
And makes all the horses and asses more fleet, 
When prancing with gambols along our front street ; 
Earth trembling with thunder, fierce lightnings in sky, 
As if the Omnipotent arm to defy. 

Ye guardians and parents of children most dear, 
Who watch them with caution and scrupulous fear 
To save from calamities threatening them. 
As Noah, his sons did, Ham, Japheth and Shem ; 
Commanded by God to prepare a safe ark. 
Himself and his kindred therein to embark ; 
So, parents commanded by God in his word. 
Well train your dear offspring in fear of the Lord ; 



* Alluding to an election of officers in a company of Cavalry ( in time that 
is past and g(Mie ) at which many of the meml)crs experienced the Spitr in the 
head to iierfection, and rode riotously in confusion, during the most awful peals 
of thunder and most vivid streams of liglitning. 



644 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Nor mingle with AlcohoPs poisonous cup 
The sugar, the treacle, nor honey, what not, 
Enticing the infant to drink it all up ; 
By your cultivation becoming a Sot. 

Habitual drunkards, what say we to you ? 
What can we say then, and give justice her due? 
With tender emotions we pity your state ; 
But fear that repentance will come when too late. 
Your state most degrading, to Bacchus mere slaves, 
He'll rapidly drag you quite down to your graves ; 
Your comrades are; gone and fast going you know 
To premature death, and led on by your foe, 
Inveterate foe you will[find in the end, 
Although you embrace him, and think him your friend 
Should you still continue to follow his band, 
Ye'll likewise be crushed by his merciless hand ; 
Already he 's grabbed you between his two paws, 
And grins, and exhibits the fangs of his jaws ; 
Or smiling decoying, or growling with threat — 
We grin with a smile, but ye grin with regret. 
His breath is as poison as sting of the Asp ; 
Exert yourselves, therefore, to break from his grasjD ; 
Should ye be successful in such an attempt, 
From one leading evil ye '11 then be exempt ; 
Unless, like the dog, to your vomit return. 
And drop in the'gulph of perdition to mourn. 

Ye moderate drinkers, we'll look at your case. 
And ask, is your danger of ruin much less? 
Ye've entered the vortex of mis'ry and woe, 
When drawn to the centre, to bottom ye'll go : 
Perceived not, intemp'rance allures by degrees, 
Sips Brandy and Sugar the palate to please. 
To stimulate muscles, exhilirate brains, 
Or keejD in ^i9^<^ company that character stains. 
The Demon 's a warrior, in tactics well taught. 
Made slaughter and carnage in battles he's fought, 
Can show many trophies of vict'ries he's won. 
Has vanquished the father and wounded the son. 
In ambuscade often surprises his prey. 
More frequent in darkness, but oft in the day. 
Well man your redoubts, then, and be wide awake. 
Or by some manoeuvre your castle he '11 take. 
He '11 batter your ramparts, to open a gap ; 
Defeated by sorties, attack you by sap. 
In paths you're patrolling, the monster ye'll meet; 



POEMS. 645 

To right about face ! then march, march ! in retreat. 

Ye venders of spirits, we'll give yoii a Clew — 
To lead to repentance for what ye now do. 
Are ye still consenting Intemp'rance should reign 
For sake of the lucre and paltriest gain ? 
Will ye be partakers in murder and blood? 
Destroying your kindred, otTending your God ! 
Or worship ye Juggernaut, Woloch or Bel? 
If so, human sacritice pleases him well. 
Can ye hear the parents bemoaning a son 
Whom by your indulgence your Rum has undone? 
And cause the poor widow and orphans to weep? 
Oh ! where are your consciences ? Are they asleep ? 
Ye monsters, devoid of compunction and shame ! 
Though garbed like the human, unworthy the name ; 
Mere animals forming the shape of a man ; 
More worthy to rank with the furies in clan: 
Like vultures that follow huge Juggernaut's train. 
Ye gorge with the carnage and blood of the slain: 
Like greediest crows upon carrion ye feed, 
And pluck the young corn for the sake of the seed. 
Can ye be so cruel for sake of the pelf? 
Let each of you answer these queries yourself. 
We pause for your answers ■ 



no answer ye make. 



We leave you to ponder, repent and forsake ; 

Or like the deaf adder, will ye close the ear, 

Refusing appeals of the conscience to hear ? 

We ask. Are these truths, which have dropt from our pen ? 

If so. let the people respond their A.men ! 

From pictures di.sgusting, we'll now turn the eye, 
And welcome the (ioddess approaching quite nigh ; 
Her standard is leading the troops she commands. 
And trophies of vict'ry displayed in both hands ; 
Her banners are waving with graceful eclat. 
Her troops are exulting — huzza ! and huzza! 

Hail ! Temp'rance, advancing in this favored land ; 
I'erfect thy blest purpose, and here make thy stand : 
Nor let that infernal Intemp'rance destroy 
Communion with Jksus. the soul's greatest joy. 
Curtail not thy reign, thy dominion give scope 
From river Euphrates to Cape of Good Hope, 
From Lapland to Eden, ai)c)de of first man. 
Where Demon Intemp'rance his reign first began; 
From straits of Magellan to Hudson's great ba\', 



646 HISTORY OF FARMmCTON. 

From ocean Atlantic to Pacific give sway ; 

The islands in oceans, and isles of the seas 

Brood under thy pinions, thy kingdom increase ; 

The brave sons of Neptune, who stroll on the flood. 

Attract by thy magnet and guide them to God. 

Extend thy soft wings, and thy ensigns unfold. 

And sway o'er all nations thy scepter of gold ; 

And walk hand in hand with the Gospel of peace. 

Till rolling of planets, and comets shall cease. 

As thy true disciple the Baptist named John 

Became the precursor of Jesus' birth ; 

So Temp'rance be harbinger now or anon 

Of Jesus Messiah's blest reign on the earth. 

Thou Goddess, accept of our tribute of praise ; 

Sublime is the subject, but feeble our lays ; 

When strains of our bard with the theme we compare. 

They shrink less than nothing, and vanish in air. 

Now closing our poem, and ending our song. 
We '11 say — Not to us do the praises belong ; 
Thou Father, with Son and the Spirit Divine, 
We'll pay thee thy honor, the glory is thine. 



The subjoined poem is inserted by permission of the 
author, who is a FrankHn County lady and long a resident of 
Farmington, in the belief that it will be read with interest 
not only for its intrinsic merit, but for its excellent history 
of "Pierpole, last of the red men." 

PIERPOLE, THE LAST INDIAN OF THE SANDY. 

By the banks of Mussul Unsquit, 
By the little Sandy River, 
Looking at the shining water. 
In the pleasant August morning, 
Pierpole, last of all the red men 
'Twixt Mt. Abram and the ocean, 
Pierpole stood and looked and waited. 
All the air was full of fragrance, 
Odors of the fir and pine tree. 
All the wood was full of beauty — 
Full of wildness and of beauty. 
As he stood and looked and waited. 
By his side was Hannah Susup 



POEMS. 647 



Faithful to her swarthy husband, 
By his side was Iganoose 
And the graceful Oppalunski. 

By his side was Joseph Susup 

And his daughters, Kate and Hannah. 

" See !" he said, " JVIy dark-eyed Hannah, 

Best of all the forest women, 

Here the maple trees are waving, 

Here the beech tree and the willow, 

And the birch for making baskets ; 

Here are trout and yellow salmon. 

Here are moose and bear and squirrel, 

Here is water and a fountain, 

Here the glorious mountain shadows ; 

Old Day Mountain and the others, 

Look upon the laughing valley 

Where our fathers killed the panther. 

White man's axe has not been hither. 

Though I hear his distant footstep 

And the echo of his musket. 

Let us not desert the valley. 

Let us build another wigwam 

For our dark-faced sons and daughters." 

" I can hear the white man's foot-fall 

Trailing up the winding valley. 

They are coming, they are coming. 

Let us go ; I do not love them," 

Answered Hannah, full of anger. 

" All the other braves have vanished, 

Left their hunting-grounds forever. 

Let us follow to the northward, 

Let us go to the Penobscot." 

But old Pierpole would not listen. 

"We will stay awhile," he answered, 

"White man's hand, is not bloody. 

If you clasp it like a brother. 

I have seen the pale-faced daughters, 

Seen the houses and the cattle. 

When I lived with my own people — 

With the noble Androscoggins." 

" Humph," then answered Hannah Susup, 

" All the whites are thieves and robbers ; 

All this country was the red man's 

From the sunrise to the sunset. 



648 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

They have come to steal our valleys, 
Steal our rivers and our mountains, 
Catch our fish, and eat our venison. 
Humph, I hate the pale-faced robbers, 
I can never with the white man, 
Smoke the pipe of peace and friendship." 
" Hush ! my woman," Pierpoie answered, 
" Wisest squaw of all the Sandy, 
Hush! you do not know the English. 
I have learned the white man's language 
When I lived among my people, 
Long before I was a captive 
To your own unfriendly warriors. 
And you saved me from their vengeance. 
Gave me life and love and beauty. 
White man offered corn of kindness. 
Red man struck me with his hatchet. 
See ! this scar upon my finger. 
Where the tomahawk has cut it, 
I will stay by Mussul Unsquit 
Till 1 see the white man's rifle 
Pointing at the Indian's wigwam. 
Till he burns my corn and baskets. 
Till the white man drives me hither." 
So, beside the Mussu! Unsquit 
Pierpoie built again his wigwam. 
Lived within its rustic shelter 
Till the white men settled round him 
And he saw their better dwellings ; 
Then he built a house of timber 
Down beside the running water. 
Where the millstream meets the river. 
There he caught the trout and salmon, 
There he killed the fox and rabbit ; 
There he planted corn and barley. 
There drank water from a fountain 
Where an old pine tree was hollowed, 
And a notch above the bucket 
Let the crystal waters through it. 
There he made his leaden bullets 
With the ore Irom mountain caverns 
Never yet by white man melted. 

Hannah loved her swarthy Pierpoie, 
So she stayed and worked beside him. 
Hoed his corn and cooked his venison, 



/\)/:MS. 649 



Made the baskets from the birch tree — 
From the birch tree and the willow, 
Made the sugar from the maple ; 
Sold them to the Reads and Eastmans, 
To the Porters and the Hunters, 
To the Titcombs and the Belchers, 
To the Butlers and the Wendells, 
White men of the hills and valleys ; 
Sold the baskets and the sugar. 
But she never smiled upon them. 
Never spoke the white man's language, 
Never asked him to her fireside. 

Soon the dwellings, thicker, thicker. 
Up and down the hills were planted. 
And the settlers, faster, faster, 
Burned the cut-down from the forest. 
Burned the hunting-grounds of Pierpole, 
Drove the salmon from the waters. 
"Come, my brave," said Hannah Susup, 
"Let us leave the Mussul Unsquit, 
Let us leave the Sandy River, 
Leave the brook and leave the mountain ; 
Let us tind the dark Penobscots, 
Let us find my brave Norridgewocks 
Or your coward Androscoggins, 
Leave the white man and his village." 
But old Pierpole would not listen. 
And he smoked and smiled and waited. 

Soon, the graceful Oppalunski, 
Best-beloved child of Pierpole, 
Best-beloved child of Hannah, 
Drooped and faded like a sapling 
When the woodman's axe has cut it, 
Died without the priestly blessing ; 
"Cursed of God," said Hannah Susup. 

As the star-eyed Oppalunski, 
Looked her last upon the river. 
Breathed her last faint sigh of anguish, 
Pierpole took his faithful rifle. 
Aimed it toward the blue of Heaven, 
Saying, "Go, my Oppalunski, 
Co, unto the Great Good Spirit." 
Then he sadly took his hatchet, 



650 HISTORY OF FARMINGTON. 

Cut the hand of Oppalunski 
From the wrist still warm and bleeding, 
IJore it through the wailing forest — 
Bore it weeping, wailing, praying, 
To the priest that he might bless it 
Ere they laid their best-beloved 
In her grave beside the river. 
"Cursed of God," said Hannah Susup, 
" Cursed of God ! oh, will you hear me ? 
Will you go to our own people ? 
Will you leave the pale-faced robbers? 
Pierpole ! I will go without you 
If you will not take me with you." 
" We will go," said Pierpole, sadly, 
" If the curse of God be on us ; 
We will leave the fatal valley, 
Leave the millstream and the pine tree, 
Leave the blue ledge, and the mountain, 
Down the rocky Mussul Unsquit 
We will go ; I say not whither. 
Then the sad-faced, broken Pierpole, 
Strong and brave as he was gentle, 
Made canoes from birch and willow, 
Placed his Hannah and the children 
By his side, and down the river 
Floated, chanting as he floated. 

Down the Sandy River we go. 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 
Down wherever it may flow. 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 

Nushka. Nushka. Look not so, 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 
Look not backward, onward go. 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 

Moon of the falling leaves shall rise. 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 
Moon of snow-shoes light the skies. 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 

Star of the east shall twinkle still. 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 
Star of the west shall light the hill. 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 



POEMS. 65 1 

The mountain shall wear its plume of snow. 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 
Onward the river still shall tiow. 

Ewayea. Ewayea. 

Thus the Indian and his children 

And his silent Hannah Susup 

Floated, chanting as he floated. 

Only once he stopped his rowing 

Stopped his chanting and his rowing 

Pitched his tent beside the river 

Where the Falls were swift and dangerous. 

" See," said one who looked upon them, 

" See, the last of all the red men, 

Pierpole, hunter of the Sandy, 

Leaves the valley of his fathers, 

Leaves it now, perchance, forever. 

See! He wears his Indian blanket. 

Wears his moccasins and bracelets — 

Wears his shining silver medal. 

By his side is Hannah Susup, 

And the little Kate and Joseph 

With his other dark-eyed children. 

He has brought dead Oppalunski, 

He has brought dead Iganoose, 

Drought their bodies in their blankets 

Carries them, he tells not whither. 

By the Falls stayed brave old Pierpole 

And the sternly mournful Hannah, 

Until suns twice two had risen ; 

Then, without a word of farewell. 

While to Heaven still higher, higher 

Climbed the church the whites were building, 

While the ringing of the hammer, 

Mingled with the water's roaring, 

Down the current Pierpole floated. 

And beyond the settler's vision, 

Vanished his canoe forever. 

Where he went, no white man knoweth, 

Whether to Canadian waters. 

Whether to the rocking ocean. 

Whether to the banks of Menan 

No man knows, but down the rapids 

Went the Indian forever. 



INDEX I. 



This index refers to the historical division of the work. 



.\l'r>OT, Jacob, 173 Charles A., 212 247 307 

Al)liott, Abiel, 269 Rev. Charles F., 142 143 144 

Alexander H., 100 T02 103 239 Charles G., 306 

287 Harrison, 159 2S6 

Asa, 92 102 166 299 Henry T., 212 

Austin, 247 James, 112 

Benjamin, 96 loi James, 201 

Edward, 290 John, 92 120 135 136 144 

Jacob, 102 103 1S2 247 John H., 168 203 306 331 

Rev. John S. C, 162 John W., 287 

Samuel P., 103 286 Joshua, 266 

William T., 303 Newman T., 336 

Abbott F\imily School, 103 Rufus, 73 So 82 112 

Academy, built, S3; sketch of, 94 et Rev. Stejihen, 142 143 144 

seq.\ opened, 99; conveyed William, 63 93 98 109 262 

to State, loi William, Jr., 35 142 

Adams, Asa M., 336 Dr. William H., 284 

Benjamin, 150 • Winthrop, 121 124 

C'harles M., 212 Ames, Bailey, 167 

Rev. E. T., 144 ■ Jacob, 179 

Rev. J. E., 164 Anderson, Hugh J., 342 

John, 239 ■ John, 240 

Joshua, 264 266 Maj. Robert, 207 

Moses, 49 54 63 Anti-Slavery Society, 178 

Samuel, 68 340 Appleton, James, 342 

Solomon, 28 31 33 41 43 44 49 Armesby. Nathan, 119 

55 5'^ 59 '^9 7' 7- 1^ ''^° '^' Arnold, Edgar W., 212 

93 i-S 329 332 Thomas, 121. 124 

Solomon, Jr., 122 125 Aroostook War, 175 

1". H., 255, 307 .Artillery, organized, 116 

Adison, John, 30 Associates, Reuben Colburn and his 

Agricultural Society, iSr 23 24 27 29 31 42 44 

Alls, Moses, 29 Atkins, Edmund, 120 

Alden, M. L., 26S Atkinson, Benjamin F., 339 

Alexander, Dr. Charles, 212 284 Christopher, 122, 266 

Robert, 1931 John, 30 

Allen, r.ciijamin, 92 172 Alwood, Leonard, 213 2G9 

83 



654 



INDEX r. 



Aud, John, 30 
Aurora Borealis, 90 
Austin, IJenjamin, 341 

Harry, 293 

Jerusha, 42 

John, 42 47 51 64 141 
Averill, Allen, 123 
Avery, Charles C, 213 

John, 52 

John F., 213 

BACON, Josiah C, 239 
Backus, John, 334 

Nathan, 82 112 185 266 

Nathan W., y-^^i 

Nathan W., Jr., 20S 239 

Zenas, 80 297 
Badger, Joseph, 82 
Bailey, Albert G. N., 213 

Elias H., 213 

Eliphalet, 45 49 64 71 73 80 81 
98 150 

George W., 239 

Isaac, 154 

James, 154 

John, 121 154 201 2S0 

John F., 213 

Mary, 159 

Oliver, 45 49 51 69 80 81 98 
loi 114 138 329 332 

William, 121 
Baker, Barnabas, 30 

J. W. H., 270 

Joseph, 144 • 

Josiah C, 213 

Prince, 126 

Samuel, 172 173 180 339 

William, 123 
Baldwin, Dexter, 188 

Rev. W. W., 144 
Ballard, Frederick, 123 

Jonathan, 98 
Bancroft, Ebenezer, 30 
Bangs, Allen, 87 136 334 

Augustus A., 213 

Edmund T., 213 

Joseph, 106 

Luman J., 213 
Bank, Sandy River, organized, 19S; 
attempted robbery of 249; 
Franklin County Savings, 
248. 
Baptist Church, 150 et seq. 
Barker, Charles A., 214 

Robert, 112 113 
Barnard, H. C, 268 

John A., 336 
Barnes, Asa, 30 

Phineas, 187 
Bartlett, Edward, 113 122 125 

Flavel, 122 125 

Thomas, 176 



Bass, Jeriah M., 239 
Batchelder, Peter, 30 
Bates, Rev. George, 168 

Hamlet, 270 

James, 182 
Battle, Joseph, 44 47 64 

William, 120 123 
Baxter, John E., 191 
Beal, Nathaniel B., 194 
Beale, Daniel, 121 124 129 155 198 

295 330 

Daniel, Jr., 197 

Hannah C, 159 

Oliver, 144 
Bean, George W., 148 
Bear, killed, 201 
Bedell, Rev. J. M., 149 
Beede, Abigail, 167 

Plannah R., 167 

Nancy, 167 

Rev. Thomas, 167 

Thomas, 185. 
Belcher, Abbott, 198 255 

A. W. F., 168 198 256 257 

Arthur Y ., 2S0 293 

Benjamin M., 112 113 114 332 

Caroline W., 167 

Clifford, 112 113 297 

Clifford, Jr., 286 

Deborah A., 167 

Enoch C, 173 

F. C, 307 

Hannibal, 102 105 168 189 192 
248 280 

Hiram, 113 139 170 173 277 

330 335 
Hiram, 2d, 202 
Lucy G., 105 
Samuel, 92 129 266 297 
Samuel, 2d, 102 169 191 192 

198 199 200 242 243 244 248 

255 256 2S0 330 336 338 339 
Sarah S., 256 257 
S. Clifford, 214 249 256 280 

289 
Supply. 37 41 58 59 62 63 69 

70 71 -ji 78 79 80 92 93 159 

329 Z2>^ 335 340 

T. F., 32 104 200 239 

William Y., 256 307 
Bell, John, 206 

William, 214 
Bemis, A. J., 266 
Bennett, Hiram, 214 
Benson, Samuel P., 187 
Berry, Rev. E. N., 149 

Rufus, 121 

Scotto, 165 
Bidard, Louis, 240 
iJillings, Leonard, 155 157 
liillington, Noah. 43 48 51 
Bishop, Daniel L., 214 



INDEX I. 



655 



Nathaniel, 76 295 

Sargeaiit, 30 
Bixl:)y, Thomas F., 163 269 
Blacksmiths, 266 
Blackstone, Benjamin, 31 45 

Lydia, 45 49 51 

William, 31 43 49 
Blake, Charles E., 149 214 

David E., 214 

Edwin, 214 

Elbiidge, G., 239 307 

J. Birncy, 214 

John L., 119 143 203 284 336 

Joseph, 122 

Josiah, 47 51 64 

Martha N., 159 

Nathaniel, 119 

Thomas D., 92 155 280 332 
Blethen, Alden J., 104 
Blodgett, Nehemiah, 27 28 29 31 40 

42 49 55 63 
Blunt, Ebenezer, 61 63 

William, 123 
Boardman, Holmes A., 102 171 339 

Leander, 191 197 198 199 300 

301 
Boies, Antipas, 22 
Bolduc, Fortuna, 215 
Bonney, A. H., 202 305 

Daniel M., 340 

James H., 239 305 307 

Philander VV., 215 
Bouchard, Francis, 239 
Boutelle, Timothy, 119 
Bowdoin, James, 24 340 
Bowen, Rev. D. V., i68 
Boyd, Calvin, 63 

Samuel, 30 63 
Brackett, Ella R., 339 

James S., 339 
Brackley, William, 64 98 

William T., 215 
Bradbury, Bion, 343 

John, 65 

J. W., 187 

William, 65 150 
Bradford, Abigail, 145 

Elisha, 146 

Iluldah, 146 

Joseph, 45 47 51 63 93 146 

Moses, 146 

Polly, 146 

Sarah, 146 

William, 21 
Bradley, Jonathan, 166 
Bragg, Edward S., 215 
Brainerd, Allen H., 97 

Benjamin, 139 154 

Church, 28 42 43 44 49 59 60 
61 64 6g 73 78 79 80 82 96 
97 98 loi 150 154 329 

Eli, 48 6i 65 



Josiah, 92 

William, 92 121 

William A, 215 
Branscomb, John, 121 
Brattle, Thomas, 22 
Bray, Eliphalet D., 186 
Breckinridge, John C, 206 
Brennan, Arthur, 240 
liridge, Norcross, built first, 69; across 
the river, 84 ; other bridges, 
84-89; injured by freshet of 
1869, -51 
Briggs, Aden, 64 

Rev. Otis, 99 

Samuel, 44 47 51 
Brodhead, John, 144 
Bronson, David, 189 342 
Brooks, Alanson V., 215 

Henry A., 265 297 

Hiram T., 215 

Job, 112 142 332 

Col. John, 70 341 

John, 297 
Ihown, A. L., 194 

Asa, 155 

Ebenezer, 146 147 

Eliphalet, 146 

Herbert A., 215 

Isaac, 146 147 

Jeffrey B., 121 155 

John, 63 121 

Joseph, 30 32 39 43 48 63 

J. Sylvester, 215 

L. B., 201 271 

Levi G., 203 

Mary, 141 

Moses, 144 

Polly, 141 

Samue^, 64 78 79 80 82 
Buffet, William L., 160 
BuUen, Joseph, 41 63 

Joshua, 49 69 

Joshua, 179 

Samuel, 27 28 29 31 41 42 44 

49 63 73 

William S., 215 
Bullock, Benjamin, 145 
Bump, David, 127 

Hosea P., 216 
Burnham, Benjamin, 144 

Rev. Jonas, 100 164 
• S. C, 266 289 335 
Burns, Gerret, 41 

Mrs. M. J., 307 
Bursley, Lemuel, 121 155 156 267 

Lemuel, Jr., 298 336 
Butler, Benjamin, 63 69 71 78 So 84 

9^ 332 
Benjamin, Jr., So 82 98 122 125 
Charles F., 239 
Ebenezer Cheney, 74 98 122 
Edward, 81 113 114 173 297 



6s6 



INDEX I. 



330 335 340 
P.lijah, 64 69 80 82 263 
Elijah, Jr., 63 
Ezra A., 120 123 
Francis, 92 261 299 330 ^y^, 

335. 
Francis G., 102 104 136 173 
187 188 189 191 192 198 200 

203 248 249 330 y\ 334 336 

337 Z^^ 
Jeremiah, 139 144 
John J., 100 
Joseph, 121 
Moses S., 122 125 
Patience, 14 r 
Philander, 336 
Solomon, 98 
William, 122 125 
Winthrop, 113 264 
Butterfield, Abrani, 129 
Almas S., 168 239 
Asa, 155 

Augustus F., 216 
Benjamin F., 216 
Charles Henry, 290 
Ebenezer, 64 
Ephraim, 48 54 65 69 79 
Hannah, 155 
Henry, 117 122 125 155 
Horatio Q., 287 
Isaac, 155 

Jacob Warren, 121 155 
James, 93 102 155 156 332 333 

335 
Jesse, 41 47 61 65 155 
Jonas, 40 43 47 61 65 71 
Jonas, Jr., 65 74 
John, 65 

Joseph, 92 122 125 155 
Josiah, 122 

Moses, 112 155 157 330 336 
Reuben, 47 64 69 155 
Samuel, 2 7 40 42 43 44 46 47 

51 52 55 59 63 69 71 80 81 

335 
Samuel, Jr., 48 
Zachariah, 76 

CALDWELL, Joseph, loo 
Campbell, Alfred M., 239 
Carding Machines, 76 
Carlton, Samuel S., 216 ' 
Carleton, Moses, 342 
Carney, John, 240 
Carr, Samuel Jr., 113 
Carriages, 267 
Carson, Adam, 29 
William, 29 
Carvill, Samuel, 268 
Carville, Charles P^., 239 
Cary, Shepard, 342 
Case, Cyrus, 216 



Cyrus C, 216 
John, 121 
Caswell, Alanson 1!., 102 203 298 2,},'^ 

336 ZZ^ 

Lendall, 298 
Catholic Church, 169 
Census, 1790, 55; 1800, 76 
Center Village, in 1800, 77 ; in 1S40, 

178 ; in 1850, 182 
Chadwick, Jerry, 240 
Chamberlain, Henry V., 77 80 81 98 

275 329 
Joshua L., 343 
Chandler, Anson G., 342 

David H., 168 169 240 280 338 

Hubbard, 148 

Jacob, 141 

Joel, 61 

John, 47 61 

Gen. John, 114 

Joseph, 119 

Levi, 122 

Moses, 43 47 69 72 78 93 98 

13^ 335 

Moses, Jr., 89 122 125 333 336 

Nehemiah, 122 

Samuel, 51 
Chase, G. W., 190 

Isaac, 123 

Thomas, 261 

W\ D., 271 
Cheny, Rev. John, 148 

Orrin 15., 100 
Chesterville, bridge built in connection 

with, 85 
Childs, Ebenezer, 102 154 173 179 
198 298 330 339 

James U., 216 
Choate, Stephen, 67 
Christian Church, 165 
Chri^nicle, Farmington, 183 270 
Church, Daniel C, 120 

Hannibal H., 216 

Jacob C, 89 203 

John, 59 64 69 71 78 80 Si 266 

John, Jr., 112 113 172 266 2,1,2, 

Samuel, 120 
Clark, Charles, 239 

George W., 337 

Henry, t,^ 

Richard, 98 141 

Solomon, 30 
Clayton, Collamore P., 216 

Edmund ]>., 217 

John, 64 

J^hn, Jr., 120 123 

John H., 217 
Clough, Jabez, 30 

Joseph, 30 

Oscar S., 217 

Zaccheus, 44 47 78 
Clover Mills, 269 



INDEX /. 



657 



Cobb, David, 52 341 
Coburn, Abiier, 343 
Cobourn, Oliver, 30 
Coffin, Enoch, 71 

Rev. Paul, 158 
Colburn, Reuben, 23 29 42 
Cold Fever, 129 
Cold Seasons, 130 
Collier, Gershom, 44 48 64 
Combs, John, 30 
Conant, Ephraim F., 33S 
Congregational Church, 157 
Conner, George P., 217 
Connor, Selden, 343 
Convention, of Democrats in 1815, 
125 ; Constitutional, 131 ; 
Railroad, 186 
Cony, Daniel, 46 54 68 

Daniel A., 204 

Daniel J., 122 125 

Hartson, 58 63 72 76 77 78 79 
82 109 261 329 

Henry C., 217 

Jason D., 64 76 80 81 93 109 
261 264 

Samuel, 343 
Cook, John A., 217 
Cookson, John C, 30 
Cooper, Samuel, 54 
Corbett, Amasa, 330 331 2,2,2, 

Charles P., 217 

Isaac P., 217 

John, 102, 139 150 

Peter, 27 28 29 40 42 44 49 55 
61 636971 8081 155 331 332 
Corley, Da\id, 30 
Corn Canning, 273 
Cothren, Charles, 288 

David, 73 

George W., 240 334 335 

Nathaniel, 54 23S 2S8 

Wesley R., 240 273 

^^'illiam, 102 120 123 139 188 

William, Jr., 287 

William H., 293 
Cotter, Daniel, 30 
Cottle, Lot, 121 124 

John, 98 
Covell, Joseph, 186 
Cowan, David, 29 30 45 48 64 81 120 

Ephraim, 29 45 48 51 120 266 

James, 29 69 120 

J. K., 120 123 
Cowen, George, 29 

Isaac, 30 

Samuel, 30 120 123 

William, 30 
Cragin, (ieorge 1!., 307 
Cram, Sewall, iSo 191 338 339 

Varnum, 336 
Craig, Dorothy, 146 

Elbridge G., 209 269 



Enoch, 41 48 51 63 69 71 73 
So 81 98 330 331 332 

Enoch, Jr., 120 123 

James, 29 

John, 120 

Joseph, 217 

Joseph S., 92 173 

Lewis W., 293 

Moses, 92 269 

Samuel G., 208 335 
Cree, Asa, 49 54 
Crocker, Abner, 217 

Hiram, Jr., 218 

William E., 218 
Cromwell, Rev. Wait, 157 
Crosby, William G., 342 
Croswell, Andrew, 298 308 

Susan C, 308 

Thomas, 179 298 

Thomas, Jr., 298 308 
Crowninshield, IJenj. W., 341 
Cummings, James, 121 155 
Cunningham, Charles A., 218 

Currier, Alvan, 177 333 334 336 

David, 218 

David E., 209 

Oliver L., 242 277 338 339 
Curtis, Jeremiah, 342 

S., 148 
Cushman, Gustavus, 176 

Henry, 92 98 119 297 

Henry, Jr., 136 

Jonathan, 79 80 81 332 

Joshua, 341 
Cutler, Charles H., 292 

Elbridge G., 286 

Elbridge G., 2d, 290 

Ira V.,' 218 

Isaac M., 255 330 

John L., 102 180 1S6 187 iSS 
189 279 286 337 338 

Nathan, 99 loi 132 138 139 
166 170 173 181 188 275 277 

329 330 335 336 339 
Nathan, 218 
Reuben, 102 163 203 248 303 

334 

DAGGETT, Charles R, 218 239 

Holmes .S., 120 

John B., 338 

Orrin, 338 

Samuel, 188 334 337 338 

William, 123 
Dana, John W., 342 343 
Daven])ort, Abraham, 65 

Susannah, 48 51 

Thomas, 65 
Davis, Abner, 260 

Abner H., 290 

A. H. S., 271 



658 



INDEX r. 



Augustus S., 218 

David, 92 297 

Daniel, 92 120 123 263 

Daniel F., 343 

Edward P., 238 336 

Frank C, 238 2S9 

Frank M., 238 

George W., 298 334 

Hiram 15. S., 209 

Hiram S., 218 

Henry, 98 112 

Rev. j. H., 149 

Nathan .S., 144 

Nathaniel, 27 29 39 42 48 

Nathaniel, 262 

Robinson A., 88 269 

Rufus, 260 

Sandford, 63 So 

T. Frank, 240 257 

T. McL., ^08 

William t., 218 
Daws, Thomas, 52 
Day, C. A., 308 

John, 154 

William, 239 
Dearborn, Henry, 341 
Deering, Rev. A., 149 
Dennison, James E., 219 
Devinport, Jonathan, 29 
Dexter, Samuel, 341 
Dickey, William, 339 
Dielson, Benjamin, 71 
Dill, Seward, 24S 338 
Dillingham, Joseph P., 29S 
Dingley, Nelson, Jr., 343 
Ditson, George H., 219 
Dobbins, James, 239 

Joseph, 219 
Dodge, Andrew J., 239 

Benjamin, 144 

John, 122 125 
Dolbier, Amos E., 240 256 
Dorr, Richard R., 144 
Douglass, Stephen A., 206 

George B., 219 
Dow, Joseph B., 209 219 

Joshua R., 219 
Dowst, Dana iM., 219 
Doyen, John, 122 
Doyle, Lawrence, 242 
Dresser, Rufus, 122 

W. E., 307 
Drew, William A., 100 156 187 1S8 

189 
Drummond, Hon. Josiah, 242 243 
Drummond Hall, 257 
Dudley, Charles .S., 219 

Moses, 141 
Dummer, Nathaniel, 68 
Dunlap, Robert P., 342 
Dunn, William A., 136 167 270 
Dunsmore, James A., 336 



Durphy, Elijah, 123 
Dutch, Ebenezer, iiS 
Dwinell, David, 121 133 155 266 
Dyar, Elmon J., 240 334 

Hiram R., 220 

Joseph, 143 179 
Dyer, Aaron H., 220 

Albion, 337 

Edwin, £., 189 

Israel F., 220 

Dr. Parmenas, 286 331' 

William H., 220 

Zaccheus A., 338 
Dysentery prevails, 90 

EAMES, Samuel, 45 47 51 61 65 
Ear Protectors, 273 
Eastman, Benjamin F., 186 
P^astport, captured, 117 
Eaton, Rev. A. W. H., 153 

Benjamin, 122 

Ebenezer, loi 

Eliab, 141 142 -^y^, 336 

Hosea B., 343 

Isaac, 112 113 

Jacob, 42 44 48 54 55 

Jacob, Jr., 112 113 

John R., 102 

Joseph, 42 

Oliver D., 220 

Osgood, 142 

Robert, 63 71 
Eclipses, 90 

Eddowes, Rev. T. H., 168 
Edes, Joseph, 244 
Edson, Calvin, 41 
Edwards, Charles, 240 
Elliott, Benjamin R., 197 305 331 
Ellsworth, Joseph, Jr., 123 
I^nbargo, effects of, 114 128 
Emerson, Coburn, 266 

Rev. Ezekiel, 157 

Rev. F. W., 153 
Emery, H. L., 307 

Nathan, 144 

Samuel, 263 
Emigration to Ohio, 130 
Estes, Elisha B., 274 
Evans, George, 199 
Eveleth, John H., 302 
Everett, Rev. C, C, 168 

Josiah, 63 145 
E.xpositor, Baptist, 183 272 

FAIRBANKS, Eaton, 119 
Franklin T., 302 
Horatio W., 301 
Joseph, 71 8087 93 98 102 no 
IT4 119 131 150 261 276296 

y-9 330 332 335 
Joseph, Jr., 135 136 332 333 
J. W., 200 201 240 248 302 336 



INDEX I. 



659 



337 
Fairfield, John, 342 
Farmer, Sanuiel, 194 

Samuel J., 209 
Farmer, Sandy River, 272 
Farmington, boundaries of, 13 ; surface 
of, 15; soil ot, 15; incorpora- 
ted, 67 
Farrar, Byron, 307 
Farwell, A. 1'.., 191 331 33S 
Fenderson, Reuben, 334 
Fernald, Dinion, 1S6 

George R., 337 
P^erry, across Sandy River, 251 
Fessenden, Samuel, 342 
Field, Elias, 338 

Francis 1!., 304 340 
Fillebrown, Thomas, loi 
Fire, of 1850, 197 ; of 1859, 202 ; of 

T874, 255; of 1875, 256- 
Fire Engine, 203 
P'ishing Rods, 272 
Fitch, Abijah, 30 
Flaherty, Patrick, 220 
Fletcher, Amos, 253 

John, 254 
Flint, Amos, 266 

Edward, 141 

John, 98 

Thomas, 63 68 69 70 98 loi 
119 135 282 295 
Fogg, Caleb, 144 
Folsam, Nathaniel, 155 
Foot, Stephen, 123 
Forsyth, Alexander, 113 
Foster, Rev. \\'illiam, 143 
Franklin Cemetery, 201 
Franklin County, 170 
Eraser, Alexander, 220 
Freeman, Charles, 177 
Free-Will baptists, 145 ct seq. 
P'rench, Edwin R., 337 

Jonas, 122 

Nehemiah, 124 
P'reshet, of 1785,43; damages bridges, 
85 et set/.; of 1820, 133; ot 
1855, -°° ; ^''^ 1869, 250 
Frisbee, Rev. Levi, 157 
Frost, Henry, 166 
Frost, early kills settler's corn, ^2 90 

129 
Irye, Hon. William, P., 20S 251^ 
Fuller, Rev. Charles, 143 

Reuel P., 337 

\V. F., 194 
Furbush, Eli V., 239 

William A., 220 

GACiE, George, 102 

George M., 102 272 
Garcclon, AJonzo, 343 

Philip M., 246 305 



Gardner, Gideon, 30 

Gay, Elisha, 64 136 146 150 

George, 221 

Jabez, 64 So 81 119 132 138 
276 332 335 

Jabez T., 144 

Peter, 47 54 59 64 69 266 

Philip, 47 

Sally, 141 

William, 141 

William S., 136 333 334 
Genereux, Father E., 169 
Getchell, Albion, 221 

Horatio, 100 
Gerry, A. J., 221 255 257 307 

Elbndge, Jr.. 221 307 

Elbridge, 340 341 

J- V; 273 
Gibson, Ezra, 266 
Gill, George F., 290 

Jonathan, 30 

Moses, 68 340 
Gilman, Heaton, t^t, 

John B., 221 

Samuel K., 188 

Wm. B., 129 335 
Gleason, Orville T., 240 

Sumner A., 221 
Gogna, Augustine, 221 
Gognoy, Godfrey, 221 307 
Goidwait, Dr. Joseph, 280 
Gonyou, Aikin, 221 
Goodenow, Daniel, 342 

Nathan C, 238 

Robert, 102 173 iSo 244 248 
249 276 278 330 338 340 
(joodrich, L. 1!., 266 
Goodwin, Benjamin, 203 268 334 

Charles, 2d, 239 

Charles B., 221 

Charles J., 293 

James, 240 
Gordon, Byron A., 222 

James, 122 

Jiinathan, 65 122 

Luther, 32 

Newell, 65 155 

Sewall, 86 

Thomas, 65 i 56 
Gore, Christopher, 341 
(Joss, William L., 222 
Gould, (Jeorge C, 222 

(ieorge W., 330 

Jesse, 47 61 71 81 98 138 

John, 330 

Joseph, 249 260 

Jotham S., 339 

Nathaniel \\'., 122 125 

Noah M., 155 

Silas, 44 48 51 

William, 43 47 51 61 65 102 
114 118 134 155 156 157 332 



66o 



INDEX I. 



335 341 
Gower, George, 31 334 
Harrison, 287 
James, 61 64 
John, 142 144 
Robert, 19 31 45 49 51 58 59 

60 63 71 92 340 • 
vSarah, 142 
William, 32 47 51 61 71 115 

155 
Grand Army Post, 211 
Grant, Edward W., 222 
Graves, Daniel B., 222 

Jonathan, 80 81 

Jotham S., 333 339 
Gray, William, 341 
Greeley, Ezra S., 175 

Joseph, 30 41 48 
— ^ Seth, 28 30 41 44 48 
Green, Abiathar, 48 78 no 

George S., 188 

Guy, 122 125 155 

William E., 290 

Zilpha, 141 
Greene, Josiah W., 240 

J. A., 106 

Nathaniel, 100 162 163 
Greenleaf, Enoch O., 280 
Greenwood, Chester, 273 

Joseph R., 306 

Louis L)., 222 

Zina H., 87 89 334 
Grounder, George, 222 
Guild, Dr. Samuel, 280 

HACKETT, Richard, 123 
Halde, Father D. J., 169 
Hall, Rev. Hezekiah, 160 

Rev. James, 99 

Orrin, 336 
Ham, J. E., 197 
Hamilton, Asa, 121 

Dr. H. W., 285 

Solomon, 121 

William, 121 
Hamlin, John A., 223 

Elijah L., 342 

Hannibal, 342 
Hancock, John, 24 
Handy, lienjamin, 47 51 
Hanearson, Jolin, 30 
Hannaford, Andrew J., 223 
Hannah, wife of Fierpole, 33 34 
Hnnscom, Aloses, 185 
Hardy, Dr. Leiijamin M., 274 286 

Charles R., 223 

Eliphalet, 146 

Job, 146 

Sir Thomas, 117 

William M., 223 
Hardy & Fletcher, 307 
Harper, William, 106 



Hartford Convention, 125 
Hartwell, Ephraim, 185 

Oliver, 49 64 ■]-^ 
Hascall, Rev. W. H. S., 153 
Haskell, B. F., 306 
Hatch, Reuben, 120 123 
Hathaway, Rev. Levi 1!., 152 
ILithern, S., 148 
Hawley, John, 223 
Hay, Charles H., 239 
Hayden, Rev. C. A., 168 
Heath, Asa, 144 

Benjamin, 64 71 73 98 266 

Daniel C, 290 

Rev. James, 153 

John, 98 

William, 340 341 
Heizer, Rev. C, 169 
Hc-nderson, Dr. Jophanus, 283 
Henry, James, 19 31 
Herald, Farmington, 271 
Hersey, George R., 223 

James, 98 120 123 267 

Nathaniel, 98 

S. S., 162 306 
Hewing, James, 24 
Hibbard, Isaac, 267 
Hichborn Nathan G., 343 
High School, 106 
High School Solecism, 272 
Hill, Rev. J. L., 164 

Thomas A., 342 
Hillman, Alexander, 262 330 

Thomas, 122 

Uriel, 120 
Hines, J. W., 308 
Hinkley, Enoch, 123 
Hitchcock, Edward K., 340 
Hiscock, Daniel, 123 

Enos, 123 

Jesse K., 223 

Joseph, 155 

Leonard M., 334 

Richard, 197 198 300 

Thomas, 31 42 47 69 71 80 82 
98 loi 329 332 
Hobbs, Amos, 260 
Hobson, Henry, 240 
Hodgdon, John, 123 
Hodgkins, H. D., 268 
Holbrook, Benjamin, 223 
Holland, Joseph, 43 48 51 145 
Holley, Daniel E., 223 

'John, 71 78 80 81 329 332 

John, Jr., 113 297 

Marchant, 98 113 

Marchant, 2d, 144 

William, 1 13 

William H., 45 
Holman, Joseph C, 249 280 331 335 

33-'^ 
Holmes, Ezekiel, 342 



INDEX /. 



66 1 



John, 131 
Holt, Rev. Fifield, 159 
Hopkins, John, 30 

Theo])hilus, 64 280 
-—Hopkinson, Jonathan, 131 263 
Horne, Augustus L., 223 

John W., 223 
Hosmei", George L., 224 

Lot, 155 
Houghton, Dr. John N., 286 
1 lovey, John, loi 

Silas G., 224 
Howard, Joseph, 343 

N. G., 100 

Samuel, 118 

William G., 239 

Rev. R. B., 162 208 
Howe, John, 123 
Howes, Daniel, 189 248 249 

Francis M., 337 

Henry M., 209 240 306 
Hoyt, J. G., /91 337 
Hubbard, John, 342 

P. W., 307 
Hull, Elias, 141 

Rev. Hezekiah, 151 
Hulse, Rev. W. C, 149 
Hunter, David F.. 35 

John, 125 

Thomas, 163 330 
Huntoon, Jonathan G„ 119 276 341 342 
Huse, Jesse, 171 338 339 

Joseph, 269 300 

R. A., 274 
Huston, Abisha, 123 

James, 120 

John, 42 48 51 64 

Samuel, 123 
Hutching, Charles, 265 

Elias, 148 

Samuel, 148 
Hutchinson, Ebenezer, 121 

William H., 208 
Hutchurson, James, 30 

INDIANS, Remains of, 18; Wars of, 

38 
Ingham, Jesse, 142 
Inventory, made by Dunimer Sewall, 

46 
Irish, Henry D., 224 

JACQUES, Rev. Parker, 143 

Jacobs, Isaac S., 203 

Mortimer D., 224 

Jameson, Charles D., 343 

Jeffers, David, 224 

Jeffreys, John, 224 

Jeffries, Daniel, 24 
^Jennings, Asa, 224 
s. David, 89 

I'.liphalet, 63 



Joseph, 121 

Luther B., 225 239 

Reuben B., 225 

Sylvester, 239 
Jenkins, Albert F., 224 

Lemuel, 224 
Jewett, Ehsha, 127 

John, 143 333 336 

John W., 240 
Johnson, Abraham, 113 117 124 

Albert G., 238 

Annie E., 102 

Charles E., 330 

Dr. E. S., 2S6 

Epaphras, 198 

Henry, 197 297 298 333 

Johnson, Henry C, 225 

loseph, 113 166 173 186 18S 
298 335 337 

Joseph S., 299 

J. R. W., 199 

Thomas, 31 98 296 329 

Thomas, Jr., loi 119 

Thomas J., 238 

Timothy, 31 80 81 84 98 138 
139 148 276 296 329 330 335 

Samuel, 160 

Warren, 288 

William, 113 

William H., 166 169 
Jones, Ebenezer, 48 54 60 61 155 

200 

Elijah, 160 

Rev. J. I., 164 

J. Winslow, 273 

Robert, 41 48 63 69 76 261 

Samuel L., 120 

Thomas G., 199, 200 330 
Jordan, Jacob, 155 
Josselvn, William H., 337 
Journal, Franklin, 271 
Joy, Rev. Amaziah, 152 

KENNEDY, William, 41 48 64 
Keen, Samuel, 43 49 51 64 
Keith, David, 225 

James B., 225 

John, 225 

Joseph, 186 

Leonard, 240 304 331 334 340 

M. L., 307 
Keith and Field, 197 304 
Kelsey, Ambrose P., 100 102 104 
Kempton, Henry, 177 

Jonathan, 120 

John, 120 

John, Jr., 173 

[o.seph S., 203 

William W., Jr., 239 
Kendall, William, 118 
Kendrick, William P., 160 
Kennebec Purchase, 2r 



84 



662 



INDEX /. 



Kennedy, Andrew, 120 123 

Robert, 30 41 

William, 120 123 
Kenny, Thomas, 47 
Kent, Gov. Edward, 171 246 342 
Kersey, Daniel L., 98 
Keyes, Charles W., 271 

Ebenezer S., 337 

Elisha, 181 
Kibbey, Epaphras, 144 
Kidder, David, 119 
Kilborn, Jedediah, 30 
Kilgore, Frank, 204 
Killman, Silas M., 122 
Kimball, Charles P., 343 

John S., 119 
King, Rev. G. M. P., 153 

Stephen W., 225 

William, 341 342 
Kinne, John, 64 

William, 277 
Kinney, Christopher G., 239 
Kittredge, Thomas, 341 
Knights, captured by Indians, 19 
Knowles, A. E., 268 

Albert, 225 

Ozam, 123 
Knowlton, D. H., 271 291 307 340 

Eben, 268 

Ezekiel, 48 

Francis, 35 1S6 197 203 266 
340 

Francis B., 290 

Fred N. L., 225 

I. W., 26S 

Jonathan, 31 40 43 47 51 61 
65 76 -]! 78 133 142 260 
262 

Joseph, 124 263 
Knowlton, J. and Son, 268 

Samuel, 44 48 61 65 71 79 
266 

Samuel (son of Jonathan), 42 

S. D., 268 
Knowlton, McLeary and Co., 271 272 
Kuhn, Jacob, 54 

LAKE, William W\, 225 
Lamb, John C, 226 
Ladd, Francis D., 287 

Horatio O., 100 

Samuel, 155 

Samuel G., 303 
Lambert, Levi Y., 123 

Samuel S., 339 
Lancaster, Ezekiel, 182 

Thomas, 86 
Lander, F. W., 188 
Larabee, Edmund S., 274 

Warren T., 274 
Lark, schooner built, 54 
Lawrence, Lucius, 226 



Lee, Jesse, 140 141 

Stephen B., 201 
Lewis, George E., 226 

William, 80 81 120 

William G., 226 
Libby, Lura Vellie, 243 

Isaac, 242 
Liberal Christian Association, 168 
I>ibrary, Farmington, 247 
Lincoln, Abraham, 206 245 
■ Gen. Benjamin, 70 

Enoch, 127 278 341 

Levi, 341 
Lincoln and Richards, 306 307 . 
Linnan, Edward, 30 
Linscott, Andrew D., 330 

J. A., 199 200 201 202 203 242 

271 338 339 

John J., 286, 336 

Samuel, 65 
Little, Rev. Daniel, 157 
Little lilue, 103 272 
Location of Streets, 253 
Locke, Edward, 145 260 

John, 226 

William T., 226 
Locklin, Nathaniel P., 123 

S. S., 30S 
Look, Jonathan, no 122 
Lord, Reuben H., 239 
Lothrop, Alson, 167 
Lovejoy, J. K., 268 

Leonard R., 226 

Rufus N., 226 
. S., 332 
Lovejoy Bros., 268 
Lowell, Benjamin F., 239 

II. W. 308 

Jophanus J., 226 

Joshua, 121 

John, 155 

Joshua A., 279 

J. Bartlett, 61 65 70 

Joshua B., 186 

Oliver, 121 124 

Reuben, 42 47 51 61 65 66 69 

70 73 93 155 '56 ly- 

Keuben, Jr., 65 155 156 

Rosamus K., 2eS 

Simeon H., 248 279 338 
Luce, Alsburv, 226 

Bartlet't, 122 

Benjamin, 65 

Elisha, 120 

Solomon, 119 1S6 

Thomas, W., 226 
Lufkin, James G. li, 227 

Jason L., 227 

Moses, 145 
Lyford, Dr. F. O., 2S6 
Lyons, L. J., 307 



INDEX I. 



^^l 



McAllister, iicnry, zz'i 

McClL-ciy, Charles L., 292 

].)avid, 228 269 

Robert, 335 
IMcCrillis, Charles A., S7 
McCurdy, James, 44 47 
M'Donnell, James, 19 31 
Mace, Andrew C, 227 

Benjamin B., 186 

Cornelius S., 227 

Edward A., 227 

Fayette, 123 

Hiram A., 227 

John W., 227 

R. Everett, 237 

Wilson J., 227 
Machine Shops, 269 
Mcintosh, John A., 2S9 
Mclntyre, Rufus, 175 
McKeen, Ezra H., 228 

James W., 228 
McKnight, David, 29 
McLain, James, 240 

Jesse, 120 

John, 336 
McLean, Archibald, 240 
McLeary, F. E., 272 
McLeish, Rev. John, 180 
McMillan, Rev. J., 143 
Maddocks, Alanson C., 227 
Maddock, Richard, 65 
Mail Line, established, 55 184 
Maine Normal, 272 
Maloon, Eunice, 44 
Maney, P., 194 
Mansfield, George E., 194 
Manter, Peter, 20 31 
Marchant, James L, 120 
Marden, Rev. George N. 162 
Marston, John A., 227 

Theodore, 170 186 199 
Marvel, Elliott C, 197 

James, 155 

Marshman, W., 228 

Mayhew N., 228 
Mason, Rev. Edward A., 153 
May, Julia H., 104 

Sara R., 104 

Hon. Seth, 246 
Mayhew, Andrew B., 123 
Hebron, 163 

Hebron, Jr., 92 120 179 330 
Nathan, 92 120 

Thaddeus, 136 

Zaccheus, 63 81 185 
Mechanics' Association, 182 
Meeting House, at Falls, 77 ; Union 
house at Falls, 78 133; Centre, 
78 172; Brick, 142; Methodist 
143 258; Free-Will Baptist 
148; Congregational, 162 ; Con 
grcgational at Falls, 164; Lib 



eral Christian, 168 254; Catho- 
lic, 169 
Mema, Frank, 239 
Mercer Railroad Meeting, 189 
Merchants, 294 
Merrill, Arthur W., 293 

Dr. E. C, 286 
• E. L, 208 209 228 

G. Dana, 228 239 
. I. W.., 248 331 340 
James, 239 
James B., 122 
Joseph, 71. 
Merrit't, Daniel, 336 337 
Merrow, R. A., 272 

William O., 22S 
Merry, Asa, 126 

Leonard, 122 329 332 335 
Methodists, first class formed, 77 ; 

church history, 140 
Militia, first company organized, 109; 
second company, 109; third 
company, no; organization 
abandoned, 127 
Miller, Rev. Charles, 152 

Gilbert, 338 
Millerites, 181 
Milliken, J. S., 199 

Z. T., 173 330 340 
Mills, first built, 40; Tufts', 45; built 

by Eaton and Starling, 54; 

Knowlton's fulling mill, 76 ; 

first at Fairbanks, 76; carried 

away by freshet, 133; Fletch- 
er's, 253; saw and grist, 260; 
Minister, discussion regarding settle- 
ment of, 77 137; settled, 139 
Ministerial land, 137 139 
Minot, John, 112 113 129 

Prudence, 159 
Mitchell, David, 191 ; t^J] 

John, 65 

Josiah, 30 
Moody, Converse, 229 

Moses S., 100 
Moore, Rev. A., 143 

Rev. A. W., 163 

David, 77 80 8 1 295 

Dennis, 229 

John, 30 
Morgridge, William, 186 188 
More, Thomas, 65 
Morrill, Rev. Abner, 153 

Anson P., 342 

B. F., 251 

Charles A., 229 

Charles P., 229 

David, 261 263 

David C, 89 191 333 

Donald L., 106 

George H., 229 

Lot M., 342 



664 



INDEX I. 



S. P., 149 331 339 

Stephen, 194 
Morrison, James, Jr., 337 339 

John, 121 155 1S2 261 332 333 

John I!., 336 

Robert, 112 120 

Robert M., 209 

William H. 291 
Morrow, A., 26S 
Morse, Charles, 179 

Freeman H., 342 

Ira, 157 

Job, 154 

Thomas, 47 

Rev. Winthrop., 151 
Morton, George, 122 125 
Moses, Dr. John F., 283 
Mossman, George G., 229 
Mott, Adam, 1S2 
Mudge, Enoch, 141 
Munger, Rev. Charles, 143 144 
Munson, Henry C, 343 
Murder of Lura V. Libbey, 242 ; of 
Jeremiah Tuck, 243; of Jo- 
seph Edes, 244; of John S. 
Tolman, 254 
Music Hall, 258 
Mussel, Peter, 34 
Muster, first, 109; in 1827, 127 

NASON, Henry, 301 
Neal, Alvan, 209 269 

John, 30 
Nevins, Samuel, 98 
Newhall, Eben, 160 
Nichols, John W., 292 
Niles, William H., 240 
Norcross, Albert G., 238 

Matthias S., 145 268 

Josiah, 268 
Normal School, 102 
Norris, Rev. John, iSo 
North, Joseph, 24 25 28 43 
Northeastern boundary, 175 
Norton, Andrew, 54 6^ 69 80 81 

Bassett, 81 98 120 123 

Cornelius, Jr., 70 

Dehave, 98 117 

Dehave F., 229 , 

Ebenezer, 55 64 71 72 80 332 

335 
Eliakim, 79 80 
Elihu, 92 
Elijah, 54 6j 69 74 80 81 98 

138 330 332 
Ephraim, 64 80 81 113 122 
Everett B., 154 
P'rancis, 98 297 
George W., 121 
James, 120 123 
James I., 229 
Jeremiah, 98 129 



John, 144 

Joseph, 71, 80 81 145 276 335 

Joseph, 2d, 334 

Joseph, Jr., 121 

Mayhew, 121 

Peter, 6\ 

Peter, 2d, 98 120 123 

Peter E., 144 

Richard, 54 

Samuel P., 121 333 336 340 

.Samuel R., 240 

Stephen, 6f 65^73 

Winthrop, 98 123 340 

Zachariah, 70 71 78 80 81 98 

329 335 
Zebulon, 122 125 
Nye, Watson, 229 
William, 336 

OAKES, Dr. Charles H., 286 

Edward, 123 
Oaks, Phoebe, 142 
Odell, Alonzo J., 229 307 

Solomon H., 229 

Odell, Thomas, 73 79 98 
Ordwav, Joseph, 124 

Rev. O. O., 153 
Ormsby, D. V. B., 32 168 248 249 
Osgood, Apollos, 265 
Otis, Ensign, 191 

Packard, C. F. and Co., 26S 
Page, Abraham, 47 51 

Abraham, Jr., 44 47 

Amos, 41 48 

Ezekiel, 41 48 

Isaac, 47 63 

Reuben, 41 

Timothy, 47 

William K., 118 
Pain, Simeon, 30 31 
Paine, John, 123 

Philip L., 106 
Painter, James W., 230 
Parkeford, petition to incorporate, 64 
Parks, Gorham, 342 
Parker, Elvaton, 63 141 

Frank W., 230 

James, 121 124 

Josiah, 49 

Polly, 71 

Prudence, 146 

Thomas, 112 119 171 173 330 

332 333 339 
Parris, Albion K., 341 342 
Parsons, Jeremiah, 121 
Partridge, Charles A., 230 
Party feeling, 70 
Patriot, Franklin, 201, 271 
Patten, George F., 342 
Patterson, John, 261 
Pearson, Edward A., 209 230 



INDEX /. 



665 



Pease, Argalis, 98 112 166 167 iiS5 

Hrilsfovd, 330 y^-^ 

Joseph, 71 73 

Nabby, 141 

Samuel, 65 

Timothy, Si 

\Varren, 121 
Pejepscot Patentees, 22 23 
Pemaquid Patentees, 23 
Pepper, Rev. E., 153 
Perham, Charles H., 230 

John F., 29S 

Josiah, no 

Josiah, Jr., 186 

Lemuel, 45 49 64 69 73 

Lemuel, Jr., 45 63 92 97 98 

Samuel, 30 

Silas, 44 45 63 74 81 no 121 

Silas, 230 

Sidney, 343 
Perkins, Charles James, 286 

Frederick C, 102 106 
203 239 249 334 335 

George A., 287 

Isaac, 120 

Isaac, 150 

J. W., 303 330 

Lafayette, 102 2S2 

Luke, 262 
Perry, John D., 230 
Peters, Hon. John A., 242 
Peterson, William, 124 
Petition, for a road in 1779, 29; for in- 
corporation, 59 63 ; to incor- 
porate Parkeford, 64; for A- 
cademy, 95 ; for cavalry, 1 1 1 

.113 
Pettengill, Abraham, 124 
Philbrook, Nathaniel, 30 
Phillips, Dr. Allen, 173 198 282 

Andrew C, 271 288 338 

Samuel, 64 340 

William, 341 
Philomathean Society, 247 
Phinney, Joel, 255 306 
Pierce, Cyrus, 1S2 

Pierpole, residence at Farmington 
Falls, 18 ; sketch of, 32 et seq. 
Pierson, William IL, 44 
Pillsbury, Albert, 342 

Eben, 172 182 

Eben F., 193 201 202 208 209 
242 271 343 

Dr. L. P., 256 257 286 336 
Pinkham, Nathan, 122 125 
Plaisted, Harris M., 343 
Piper, Harry S., 230 
Plymouth Patent, 21 
Pollard, Amos, 23 
Pool, George P., 124 
Poole, Samuel, 63 98 263 
Pooler, Stephen, 30 



Pope, Rev. Charles H., 163 

Elnathan, 179 181 277 
Robert G., 230 

Population in i8oo, 76; in iSio, 90; 
in 1820, 136; in 1830, 136; in 
1840, 178; in 1850, 182; in 
i860, 204; in 1870, 252; in 
1880, 258 

Porter, Ezekiel, 59 60 62 64 69 70 7 r 
78 79 80 81 84 96 98 109 

,3-9 ZZ^ Zy- 335 

Isaac, 122 

Isaac B., 155 

Jeremy W., 248 337 

Jeremiah, 124 

Rufus K. J., 186 
Poshard, Peter, 30 
Potteries, 268 
Pound, 70 
Powder House, 127 
Powers, Levi, 30 

Isaac, 47 51 146 

Jack, 63 
Pratt, Benaiah, 148 

Cotton, 112 

Daniel W., 20S 

Eleazer, 141 

John, 136 

Oliver P., 231 

Robert, 266 
Pijeble, John, 181 
Priest. H., W. 262 
Presson, Tristram, 121 124 
Preston, Lyman G., 307 
Prescott, E. D., 262 

Horace B., 339 

Joseph D., 185 186 187 339 

Dr. Josiah, loi 119 131 167 
170 182 185 186 281 336 

Josiah F., 269 

Lucien N., 271 
Protest, against incorporation, 60; 
Whittier's, 66; of Federalists 
72 
Pulcifer, Joseph M., 231 
Pullen, Stephen, 41 
Purington, George C, 103 
Purrington, Frederick A., 231 

Leander, 231 

Leander H., 240 
Putnam, Perley, 117 

yUINCY, H. G., 155 156 

S., 155 

Frederic J., 167 
<2uimby, Alson H., 231 
Quota, filled, 209 

RAILROAD, Atlantic and St. Law- 
rence, 186; Franklin and 
Kennebec, 188; Androscog- 
gin and Kennebec, 188; 



666 



INDEX I. 



Androscoggin, 191 ; Sandy 
River, 193 257; p'ranklin and 
Megantic, 195: Extension of 
Androscoggin, 253 
Ramsdell, Abner, 71 73 81 

Hiram, 307 
Randall, Barron, 1S6 

Benjamin, 146 

Isaac, 279 

Joshua, 144 279 

Dr. William, 255 2S3 \ 
Ranger, George W., 261 30S 
Rawson, E. Oilman, 166 
Record, County, 272 
Redlon, Joseph S., 231 
Redman, John B., 343 
Reed, Charles, 239 

David, 30 123 

Ephraim, 231 

Rev. F., 149 

Isaac, 342 

John, 54 102 

Warren, 231 

William, 32 68 97 9S 126 141 

William, 300 

William M„ 182 203 204 
Register, Franklin, 181 183 270 
Raid, Rev. J. D., 153 
Representative, elected to General 

Court, 70 
Resolutions, on Embargo, 115 
Resolve of Massachusetts Legislature, 

50 
Revival of 1843, 180 
Reynolds, Dr. Austin, 2S6 

George W., 292 
Riant, Joseph, 45 47 64 146 

Joseph, Jr., 124 
Rice, Herbert H., 307 

John, 42 47 64 

Oliver, 121 

Richard S., 201 240 305 331 

Samuel, 121 
Richards, Edmund R., 293 

Edward, 124 

Elmer E., 280 292 339 

Henry H., 331 

I. C, 256 

James, 124 

Dr. John A., 2S6 
Richardson, Ezekiel, 172 

Susannah, 159 
Riggs Brothers, 265 
Riley, John, 240 

Patrick, 239 
Rines, Stover^ 176 
Riverside Cemetery, 200 
Roach, James, 240 

Michael, 239 
Road, county located, 77; Perham, 77 
Robbins, Edward H., 64 340 341 

Dr. Frank M., 286 



S., 268 
Roberts, Charles W., 343 
Robinson, Edward, 342 

Jesse, 118 
Robie, Frederic, 343 
Roby, Samuel, 121 
Rogers, Daniel, 166 

Rev. Isaac, X02 160 164 191 246 

Rev. O. W., 163 
Rolfe, Joseph, 42 49 51 
Ross, Charles B., 231 
Rotch, Rev. Caleb L., 164 
Rundlet, Capt. Samuel, 124 
Russ, Daniel, 120 

Henry, 121 124 133 260 333 

John, 85 86 93 T02 133 139 155 
156 260 261 330 332 333 335 

Jonathan, 155 260 329 332 

Jonathan, Jr., 334 339 

Simeon, 42 48 51 63 266 
Russell, Abel, 163 

Charles B., 334 335 

Dr. Edmund, 284 336 

Dr. Francis H., 274 286 

Hannibal, 274 

I. B., 231 274 

Isaac J., 232 

James, 180 

James, 274 

Joseph, 112 119 144 145 336 

Nathaniel, 112 123 127 261 

Thomas, 124 

William, 1 12 124 142 
Russell and Priest, 307 
Rounds, Charles C, 102 
Rowell, John, 191 
Rowings, James, 82 
Ryder, John C, 106 

SAMPSON, Benjamin, 333 334 339 

Sanderson, Rev. A., 143 
Rev. Roscoe, 144 

.Sandy River, source of, 14; tributaries 
of, 14; first explored, 19 

Sandy River Township, ceded to 
Massachusetts, 28 ; title to, 
45 ; deeded to Butterfield, 
Tufts, and Sewall, 52 

Sanitary Commission, work of, 210 

Sandy River Yeoman, 136 

Saunders, Samuel, 232 

Savage, Joseph, 30 

Sawyer, Nathaniel, 124 

Scales, Ebenezer, 148 

School Districts, 93 

School-house, first built, 92 

School Lands, 106 

Schools, money voted for, 69 ; sketch 
of, 91 et scq. 

Scott, visits Sandy River, 19 

Seavey, John, 167 

Sebatas, John, 2,2^ 



INDEX I. 



667 



Separation of Maine from Massachu- 
setts, 131 
Severy, Dr. James B., 2S5 
Sewall, Calvin D., 163 

Dummer, 44 46 50 51 52 

Diimmer, 65 70 

George P., 176 

Gen. Henry, 114 iiS 

Henry, 61 

Joseph, 330 

Jotham, 64 65 66 loi 119 158 
160 

Oliver, 293 

Samuel, 44 48 61 65 69 71 73 
159 260 263 

Samuel, 232 

William S., 89 
Shanahan, P. and K., 194 
Shaw, Ebenezer, 113 121 262 263 

Eliab, 29 

John, 30 

John P., 113 155 262 263 
Sherburne, Moses, 102 171 186 336 

338 339 
Shoemaking, 265 
Simmons, John, 1S7 
Skillings, Edward, 256 266 
Slavery, discussion of, 205 
Small, Samuel F., 336 
Small Pox, 203 
Smart, Ephraim K., 343 

Josiah T., 269 

Ozam, 232 
Smith, Abraham, 45 49 51 63 80 Si 
159 163 

Charles D., 238 

David P., 124 

Dennis H., 232 

Elisha, 30 

Emerson, 29 

Franklin, 343 

Francis 199 

George, 124 

George H., 232 

George R., 232 

Jeremiah, 70 

Jonathan, 232 

Joseph L., 343 

Joseph S., 98 loi 112 113 329 

Jotham, 47 54 59 64 69 78 93 
120 124 141 33t 332 

Kennedy, 240 

L. A., 307 

Manasseh H., 342 

Moses, 30 

Rumford, 19 

Samuel, 109 122 125 

Samuel B., 232 

Samuel E., 341 342 

Simon, 239 

Thcjmas B., 203 

Timothy, 79 80 81 98 loi 



William, 87 

William R., 232 

Wilson C, 233 
Snelling, Joseph, 144 . 

Soule, George T., 197 267 

Joshua, Jr., 141 

Zachariah, 112 113 115 276 
Sprague, Benj. F., 144 

Ira, 145 

Henry, 240 

J. F., 198 270 330 331 

Peleg, 342 

Stephen G., 124 

Theodore .S., 233 
Sjjringer, Edward, 30 

James, 29 
Spooner, Thomas, 267 
.Stain, John, 30 
.Stanley, Charles, 120 

Daniel, 80 81 

Daniel, Jr., 136 

George R., 197 

Gustavus A., 208 233 289 

James, 171 173 337 

James A., 233 

John T., 287 

Rev. M. C, 149 

Mrs. M. M., 197 

Samuel, 330 333 336 
Staples, Enoch, 261 

Daniel, 124, 

Ezra, 305 

William, 124 

Dr. William C, 283 
Starling, Joseph, 98 112 113 129 155 

Moses, 2,2, 42 4S 54 55 5^ 63 
69 71 78 80 82 93 115 140 
145 .150 185 329 
Starnes, Daniel, 30 
Steadman, George F., 239 
Stebbins, Cyrus, 144 
Stetson, H. B., 201 271 
Stevens, Alonzo, 233 

Edwin N., 304 307 
Stewart, A. H., 167 169 267 

Belcher S., 233 

Charles, 120 

Charles L., 239 

Daniel, 120 124 267 

David C, 238 

F. v., 104 167 173 185 191 

Stewart, Mrs. G. C. and Co., 307 

Henry, 80 81 112 113 114 166 
167 266 

Hugh, 71 98 

Hugh, Jr.. 113 

Samuel B.,* 289 

William M., 120 124 
Stickncy, Daniel, 179 
Stinchfield, Desire, 142 

Frank H., 233 



668 



INDEX I. 



Jeremiah, 76 85 114 133 155 
261 262 330 332 

John, 121 

Thomas, 121 

William, 233 
Stoddard, Samuel F., 300 

Samuel F., Jr., 233 
Stone, Cornelius, 337 

Rev. Cyrus, 144 
Storer, Harrison, 191 
Story, John, 47 
Stowers, Charles W., 234 
Stowers, John, 63 121 124 

Samuel, 54 
Stoyell, Dr. Aaron, 71 77 80 82 159 
280 

George W., 234 

Hiram B., 197 300 330 331 334 
336 

John A., 166 197 300 

^^'illiam H., 234 
Straw, Philip, 30 
Streeter, Augustus G., 234 

Elisha, 144 
Strickland, Hastings, 175 

Sylvester, 102 
Strong, Gov. Caleb, 118 340 341 
Strout, George M., 106 
Stubbs, Philip H., 194 255 y^-] 338 

Philip M., 102 186 191 339 
Sullivan, James, 340 341 
Sumner, Increase, 340 
Sumpter, stormed, 207 
Surplus revenue, distribution of, 174 
Survey, North's, 24; for railroad, iSS 

191 
Susup, Joseph, 37 

Molly, T^T, 
Swain, Abraham B., 234 
Swan, Benjamin A., 234 

Edward, 188 

Jonathan, 86 
Sweat, Jacob, 63 
Sweet, Abel, 63 71 80 81 150 

Ebenezer, 41 43 48 51 63 69 

71 -]■!, 78 263 

Ellis, 124 

Lorilla, 154 

Samuel H., 234 

Zebediah, 124 
Sweetser, Joseph, 63 
Swift, J. vS., 181 183 270 272 

Turner, 43 48 
Sylvester, Rev. A. R., 144 

John, 234 

Joseph, 43 48 51 145 

TALBOT, Charles J., 248 249 339 

George F". 342 

John'C, 343 
Talcott, William, 119 122 125 
Tannery, first built, 43; 'i'hwing's, 



254; other tanneries, 263 
Tapley, Hon. Rufus P., 255 
Tappan, Daniel D., 160 
Tarbox, Charles, 238 

Stillman, 248 336 
William, 197 198 255 
Tarbox Brothers, 307 
Tax, levied by associates, 57 ; federal, 

70 
Taylor, Dr. Ebenezer, 98 101 2S1 

S. O., 255 307 336 

Elias, 30 

John T., 154, 263 

Joshua, 142 

Joshua, 30 

Samuel, 187 
Teachers, early, 92 ; wages of, 92 
Teachers' Association, 182 
Teague, Isaac, 45 49 51 
Tebbitts, Miss. D., 197 
Telegraph line opened, 246 
Temperance, early agitation of, 134; 
first society formed, 135; 
Washingtonian society of, 179 
Text-books, early, 92 94 
Tibbetts, Benjamin F., 234 

Rev. Cyrus, 152 

Daniel, 48 

William H., 235 
Tilden, Rev. H. B., 153 
Titcomb, Albert, 235 

Ann B., 167 

Arthur, 293 

Augustus H., 286 

Charles, 289 

G. W., 307 

Hannah, 142 

Henry, 113 167 173 

Hiram, 273 .... 

John, 83 173 179 197 203 299 

John, 2d, 163 

Joseph, 112 113 181 297 330 

Joseph, 343 

Mehitable, 159 

Samuel, 39 

Stephen, 19 31 32 39 42 43 49 
51 55 60 64 69 71 73 77 78 
80 82 loi 113 137 142 157 

1 58 329 2,T~ 335 340 

Stephen, Jr., 42 112 

Stephen, 2d, 286 
Thatcher, Col. Samuel, 124 
Thaxter, Rev. Joseph, 157 
Thomas, Cyrus A., 84 336 

Ezra, 80 81 

Isaac, 154 297 

Isaac, 235 

Jedediah, 92 

Joshua A., 235 

Nathan C, 239 

William, 256 
Thomjison, Albert, 235 



INDEX I. 



669 



Andrew J., 235 

Asahcl, H., 244 • 

Daniel, 124 

Enos S., 97 

Jeremiah, 235 

John, 121 

Josiah H., 339 

Otis S., 235 

Warren F., 235 

Rev. Zenas, 156 
Thorne, William, 44 
Thwing, Charles F., 291 

Joseph P., 163 254 265 

Nathaniel, 68 
Tobcy, Charles H., 120 

Lemuel, 235 

Robert W., 167 
Todd, John, 236 
'I'olman, Ezekiel, 254 

Rev. F. W., 153 

John S., 254 
Toothaker, Abner, 194 
Topsham, explorers from, 19 
Tower, Sylvan us, 64 
Town Meeting, first, 68 ; character of, 

75 
1 owns. Philander C, 240 
Townsend, Luther, 159 264 

Samuel O., 264 
Township, granted Farmington Acad- 
emy, 97 ; second granted, 100 
Trask, Ebenezer G., 179 

John, 180 199 338 
Treaty of Ghent, 127 
Tripp, William, 336 338 
Trollop, William, 240 
True, Dr. O. W., 285 2S6 . 

Zebulon, 64 82 
Trustees, of Academy, 10 1 
Tuck, Andrew T., 145 331 338 

Enos, 124 

Jeremiah, 243 ^ 

John A., 293 

Joseph, 120 
Tufts, Francis, 31 42 45 49 51 52 55 
61 63 71 145 260 

John, 146 

Orrin, 33S 

Peter P., 45 330 331 333 

Peter R., 145 331 334 336 
1 urncr, Albert R., 240 

Animi R. C., 209 

John, 47 

Reuben, 63 145 
Tuttle, Thaddeus, 236 
Tyler, Isaac, 102 167 iSi 299330333 

3.35 33'^ 
Tyng, Pxhvard, 22 

UPIIAM, M., 100 
Unitarian Church, 166 
Universalist Church, 154 li Xt'i/. 



Usher, Mijah, 30 

VALUATION, of 1800,76; of 1810, 
90; of 1S20, 136; of 1830, 136; 
of 1S40, 178; of 1850, 182: 
of 1860,204; of 1870, 252; of 
1S80, 258 
Varnuni, Joseph Ix, 341 

Samuel, 244 
Vaughan, E. C., 165 
Hiram C, 236 
Z. Morton, 336, t,:^ 
Viele, Reuben, 236 

Village Corporation, defaults interest 
on bonds, 193; petition for 
incorporation, 196; incorpor- 
ated, 203 
Virgin, ^\'m. Wirt, 209 
Vote, first on separation, 131 
Voter, Andrew J., 239 
John R., 239 
Louis, 331, 334 
N. Adelbert, 239 
Warren, 87 

WADE, Bainbridge, 150 

Gardner IJ., 236 
Wager, Philip, 141 
Walker, Eartol, 121 

H. F., 308 

P. H., 269 
Walton, Hon. Charles W., 242 243 

244 
War of 1812, outbreak of, 116; hard- 
ships of, 128 
Ward, Samuel S., 182 
Warner, Joe, 1S9 
Warren, Augustus W., 240 

Dr. S. P., 2S6 
Washburn, Gov. Israel, 208 343 
Washingtonians, 179 
Waterman, Rev. Dexter, 148 179 
Watson, Benjamin F., 209 236 26S 

270 
Waugh, James H., 256 273 307 
Weathern, Benjamin, 42 47 51 69 71 

155 

I>enjamin, Jr., 122 125 

Micah, 141 

Micah B. \)., 236 

M. LeRoy, 236 
Webb, Hon. Nathan, 255 
Webber, Ezekiel, 47 

Lewis, 30 

Joseph, 29 
Webster, Daniel, 177 

J. H., 243 

Justus, 237 
Weeks, Uzziel, 112, 120 
Welch, John ()., 237 

Robert, 239 
Weld, R. W., 89 



Z- 



ss 



670 



INDEX I. 



Wells, Nathaniel, 54 

Samuel, 342 
Wendell, Thomas, 63 69 71 73 80 

92 98 loi 112 159332 
Wentworth, Daniel, 142 

David, 44 47 64 146 147 

Jesse, 237 
Were, Joseph E., 264 
West, Peter, 64 
Weston, Caleb, 30 

Edward B., 291 

Edward P., 104 

Nathan, 30 

Nathaniel, 30 

Rev. Thomas, 167 
Wheeler, Rev. A. D., 168 

Albert G., 154 330 340 

Andrew J., 209 

Charles E., 272 

George W., 249 335 

Moses, 30 
Whitcomb, Enoch W., 293 

H. L., 243 280 
White, Ebenezer, 80 82 

Henry P., 271 

Seneca, 160 

William, 48 51 
Whiting, F. D., 271 

Jonathan, 29 
Whitman, Ezekiel, 341 
Whitmore, Amherst, 239 
Whitney, Edmund W., 237 

P'rank W., 237 

Frederic E., 291 

George A., 237 

George W., 143 202 330 331 

338 
Whittier, Benjamin, 42 47 59 62 66 

69 71 155 zy- 

Clark, 65 

David W., 244 

Frank N., 293 

Moses, 65 

Nathaniel, 142 155 157 

O. P., 308 

Philander E., 239 

Phineas, 65 

Ruth, 142 

Thomas, 76 295 

True G., 197 

William, 65 261 298 338 
Wilde, Samuel S., 277 341 
Wier, Jason, 237 
Willard, Asa, 121 
Williams, B. Y., 273 

Joseph H., 343 



Levi M., 177 19S 267 

KevfN. M., 152 

Stephen, 144 

Thomas, 86 167 

W. A., 191 

William, 167 
Willis, Peter \V., 340 
Willows, school at, 105 
Wills, Isaac P., 237 
Wilson, Thomas, [9 31 
Wing, Paul, 30 
\\'ingate. Rev. George, 143 
Winslow, James, 44 49 

James, Jr., 65 

John, 22 6[ 

Nichola.^, 122 125 

Reuben, 44 
Wiscasset Comjianv, 22 
Witham, Joshua, 121 124 
Wood, Flnoch, 262 

Hiram, 237 

Isaiah, 70 

William H., 237 
Woodbury, John, 124 
Woodcock and Ames, 307 
Woodman, E. W., 208 

Manson, 165 
Wood."!, John F., 45 48 123 145 147 

John F., 2d, 203 239 

John Harrison, 290 

Nathaniel, 92 
Woodward, Luke, 239 
Worcester, David, 100 167 
Worniell, Frank, 237 
Wright, I. R., 268 

Jesse, 243 

Josiah, 98 124 

Nathaniel E., 297 
Wvman, Asahel, 266 

Jeremy, 80 82 98 12Q 155 156 
266 

Samuel, 179 

Stephen B., 239 

William II., 87 

YEATON, Isaac C, 23S 

William H., 23S 

William N., 238 
Yeoman, Rev. J. H., 149 
Yeoman Sandy River, 270 
York, Daniel, 145 

James J., 336 

Samuel, 197 
Young, John, 121 124 i c;5 266 

Peter, 166 



INDEX II, 



This index refers to the genealogical division of the 
work. The families therein treated are arranged alphabet- 
ically, and can be traced without difficulty. Those persons 
only who have intermarried with these families, and are not 
found in their own family register, are here indexed. 



AlsnOT, Betsey, 351 

Dorcas, 552 

Lydia, 588 
Abbott, Abiel, 455 

Hon. Neheniiah, family of, 381 
Adams, Betsey, 494 

Elias, 565 

Samuel, 374 

Samuel B., 546 
Alexander, Dr. Charles, 367 

Jacob, 519 

Margaret, 4S1 

Margaret, 4S2 

Nehemiah C, 447 
Allen, Betsey, 561 

Eibriclge N., 524 

Ephraim N., 370 

John, Jr., 561 

Katharine, 393 

Leonora, 535 

Truman A., 466 
Ames. Elizabeth H., 566 

Jacob, 525 

John C, family of, 543 

Mrs. Susannah (Bailey), 4S3 

Warren, 375 
Anthony, Caleb W., 511 
Arnisby, Ira, 490 
Arnold, Flora A., 405 

Nancy, 506 
Ashbrook, Martin V., 612 



Ashley, Deborah, 492 

Atherton, Mary F,, 444 

Atkinson, Benjamin F., family of, 503 

Christopher, 510 
Atwood, Augustine A., family uf, 528 

Isaac D., 527 
Austin, Mabel E., 495 

Sally, 429 

BACKUS, Zenas, 542 
Bacon, Lucia A., 532 
Bailey, Eliza, 397 

Henry W., 523 

Julia C, 41S 

Martin K., 528 
Baird, John C, family of, 5S0 

Mary, 593 
Baker, Abby J., 456 

Col. Daniel, 577 

Helen S., 391 

Martha, 456 

Martha F., 592 

Mary, 597 
Bakon, Capt. Josiah, 478 
Baldwin, Lvdia, 582 

William F., 545 
Ballard, Eliza, 446 
Ballister, Mary, 515 
Bangs, Allen, 469 

Anna C, 574 

Edmund, 430 



6^2 



INDEX //. 



Pklniund T., 501 

Joseph, 500 602 
Leonard B., 503 
Mary, 469 

Nancy, 602 
Richard, 430 
Barden, Nancy, 449 
Barker, Dorcas, 437 

Hannah, 352 

Louisa C, 519 
Barnes, Benjamin, Jr., 562 
Barrel!, Charles M., family of, 405 
Barrett, Phebe, 566 
Bartlett, Daniel C, 489 

Elizabeth, 527 

Flavel, 546 

Lois, 527 

Priscilla, 524 
Barton, Mrs. Elizabeth, 426 
Bass, Mary fj., 616 
Bassett, Sarah, 537 
Batchelder, John IL, 575 
Bates, Edward, 593 
Baxter. John, 612 
Beals, Sarah W., 51^2 
Bean, Clara, 530 

Ruth, 526 
Beecher, Abbie J., 359 
Beede, Hannah R., 5>So 
Beedy, Clara A. T., 387 

Emma E., 563 
Beetle, Henry, 466 

Mary, 547 
Belcher, Isabella M., 579 
Bellows, Augusta, 552 

Eliza, 552 
Bennett, Sylvia, 565 
Benson, Elizabeth, 583 
Berrier, Elmira, 572 
Berry, Sarah, 421 
Besse, Joseph, 369 
Bickford, Alice W., 535 

Thomas, 436 
Billings, Lucy, 432 

Nancy, 479 
Billington, Emily J., 487 
Bixby, Annie O., 580 

Llewellyn, 480 

Sarah A., 590 

Simon, 471 
Blabon, Carrie E., 371 

Joseph E., 496 
Blackstone, Benjamin, family of, 393 

Susannah, 605 

William, 393 
Blaisdell, Clarinda, 522 

Ida M., 398 
Blake, Hannah, 426 

Jose|)h, 361 

Mirinda, 514 
Blanchard, Ella V., 423 
Blodgett, Lydia, 411 



Blunt, Dr. Mark S., 359 
Boardman, Sarah, 561 
Bolan, Eunice, 455 
Boodry, Joseph, 562 
Bourne, Jane W., 355 
Boyden, Frances L., 367 
Brackett, Eunice, 402 

Irene, 501 
Brackley, William, 429 

William T., 595 
Bradbury, Ammi R., 511 

Benjamin B., 526 

Lois, 526 
Bragdon, Aaron, 374 
Bragg, Sarah _S., 417 ^ 
Brawn, Adelaide S., 501 
Bray, Hannah J. W., 555 
Brett, Lucy A., 385 

Phebe F., 560 
Brettun, Soranus L., 382 
Briggs, Douzetta C, 437 

Wealthy S., 528 
Brinkley, Sarah C, 437 
Brooks, George A., 599 

Henry A., 494 

Susan E., 544 
Brown, Asa, 482 

Betsey, 426 

Cora M., 502 

Elijah, 602 

Elizabeth, 613 

George B., 490 

Hannah C, 377 

J. Sylvester, 4S7 

Jeffrey B., 479 

Jonathan, 527 

Josiah, 492 

Martin S., 511 

Mary, 573 

Sylvira, 517 
Bryant, Caroline A., 551 
Buck, Albert H., 355 
Buker, Rhoda, 572 
I'.ulkley, Emilie F., 467 
Bullen, James H., 490 

John, 466 

Joshua G., 367 

Martha W., 412 

Mary, 423 
Burbank, Frank L., 523 

Hannah C, 529 

Leander, 523 

Louisa, 402 
Burke, William S., 581 
Burnham, Georgiana P., 621 
Bursley, John S., 541 
Buswell, Joseph P., 575 
Butler, Clarissa W., 538 

Ezra A., 460 

Henry, 537 
Jonathan, 576 
Joseph, 540 



INDEX II. 



^71 



Josiah, 537 
Dr. Samuel W., 369 
Sarah, 50S 
Solomon, 547 
Susan, 494 
Thomas, 540 
Butterfiekl, Mrs. Louisa (Campbell 
520 
Nancy, 616 
Sarah, 598 
Solomon, 41S 
Sophia, 506 
Zachariah,^497 

CADY, James S., 559 
Calden, Eliza, 570 
Caldwell, Dr. Joseph, 5S2 
Call, Margaret A., 531 
Came, James, 510 
Campbell, 1!. Frank, 406 

(Francis) W., 413 

M. Belle, 601 

Samuel A., 413 
Carr, Fernando M., 484 
Carried, Irene L., 519 
Carsley, Jane, 457 

Louisa, 456 
Carter, Charles ISL, 489 
Carvill. Charles E., 437 

Rachel, 593 
Carville, Calvin G., 501 
Case, John B., family of, 4S9 

Afary J., 534 

William, 435 
Castillo, Emilio del, 545 
Cates, Adniram, 450 
Chandler, Aaron, 456 

Daniel, 412 

David A., 420 

Hannah, 409 

Hester A., 483 

Virginia, 591 
Chancy, S. Freeman, 513 
Chase, Abbv 11, 513 

>L-irtha T., 513 
Cheek, Anna, 511 
C heny, Mary B., 507 
Chick, Alice M., 467 
Christie, I\Iar(|uaretla, 434 
Church, John, 450 
Churchill, Jane, 496 

J"l"i. 375 
Claghorn, Lydia, 537 
Clark, Alice P., 371 

Anna, 413 

Daniel, 427 

Dolly, 565 

Henrietta, 532 

Henry, 594 

Mary, 565 

Sarah A., 514 

Starling, 600 



Thomas, 558 
Clement, Capt. Joseph F., 488 
Cleveland, Selden, 402 
Clough, Dorothy S., 573 

Nancy, 447 
Cobley, Patty, 572 
Coburn, Caroline, 374 

Charles, 599 

Elizabeth, 479 

Fidelia, 527 

Lydia, 374 

Manley, family of, 372 

Rebecca F., 524 

William, 375 
Coffin, Deborah, 460 

Elizabeth F., 489 

James, 397 

Love, 364 
Coffren, Robert, 48 1 
Cogswell, Hannah, 498 
Colby, Anlucia, 522 
Collier, Reliance, 584 
Collins, Jerusha, 561 

Phebe, 450 
Conant, Eliza, 564 

Ephraim, 569 

John, 397 
Connor, Romelia, 522 
Cony, Susanna, 425 
Cook, Jacob M., 526 

Dr. John, 365, 

John T., 541 

Silas W., 363 

Thomas, 526 

William P., 526 
Cooley, Lillian C, 477 
Coombs, Abigail, 565 

Mrs. Eliza, 367 
Cooper, Hannah, 438 

Julia A,. 441 
Corbett, Abner, 502 

Angle, 49S 
Corlies, Elizabeth W., 439 
Corliss, A. Diantha, 442 
Cottle, Dr. John, 555 

Sarah, 569 
Coville, Micajah, 418 
Cowan, Miss, 429 
Cragin, George B., family of, 386 

Nancy, 515 
Craig, Georgiana, 579 

Leonard E., fainily of, 459 

Mrs. Mary A., 375 
Cram, Mary L., 603 
Crane, Elizabeth T., 595 
Crapo, Wealthy, 393 
Cree, Asa, 550 
Crosby, Jesse, 562 

Lemuel, 555 

Thankful, 509 
Croswell, Abigail, 571 

Dr. Andrew, 425 



6/4 



INDEX II. 



Crowell, Susan B., 532 
Crumpton, Nancy, 561 

Samuel, 561 
Cummings, Betsey, 540 

Harriet, 389 

James, 521 
Currier, Harriet H., 600 

Henrietta K., 530 

Marv A., 435 
Cutler, Charlotte A., 509 

Josiah, 441 

Levi, 380 

Nathan, 487 

Seth, 380 
Cutting, Ella J., 543 

DAGGETT, Amy, 400 

Albert, family of, 556 

Emily J., 416 

Hannah S., 6to 

Sally, 512 

Samuel, 515 

Sarah, 500 

Susan, 500 

West, 583 
Dana, Phebe, 394 
Darrow, Oliver, 564 
Dascomb, Mary A., 412 
Davis, Amanda, 489 

Ann C, 4bi 

Arthur, 437 

Benjamin A., family of, 496 

Betsey, 401 

Clara' E., 358 

Frank A., 376 

Mary, 466 

Sally, 509 
Day, Eliab E., 39S 

John, 541 

Lydia M., 542 

Martha, 538 
Deane, Susan L., 498 
Decker, Lottie, 419 
De Lesdernier, Emily, 573 
Demick, Mrs. Betsey (Cooper), 455 
Dennett, Joseph, 517 
Dennis, Esther, 515 
Dewey, Keziah, 434 
DexteV, Priscilla, 364 
Dillingham, Stephen, 36S 438 
Dinsmoor, Mrs. Abigail, 374 
Dinsmore (David), 418 

Florence, 567 
Ditson, Thankful, 478 
Dix, Maria S., 484 
Dobbins, Mary H., 419 
Dodge, Benjamin, 531 
John, 421 
Nettie, 505 
William, 602 
Dolbier, Maria, 502 
Doloff, Manford C, 428 



Dorrington, Barbara, 541 
Dow (Joseph) B., 442 

Rosilla H., 558 

Thirza L., 558 
Downing, Isaac, 474 
Downs, Moses W., 406 
Doven, Sophia, 593 
Dresser, Mrs. Rebecca C, 404 

Rufus, 438 
Drury, Noah, 494 

William, 494 
Dryden, Fanny, 415 

John, 506 
Dudley, Silas, 597 

Thomas, 562 
Dunbar, Edwin H., 5S1 
Duncan, Elizabeth, 593 
Dunning, Mrs. Katherine (Kelly), 3c 
Dutton, EmmaR., 491 

George F., 509 
Dwinell, Augustus, 480 

David, 479 
Dyar, Elmon J., family of, 61 1 

Joseph, 474 

Joseph L., family of, 574 
Pascal INL, 611 
Dyer, Aaron H., 529 
Clara E., 508 
Mary, 584 

EAMES, Angeline, 561 

Nancy W., 365 
Eaton, Betsey B., 508 
Hannah, 429 
Hope, 412 
John C, 505 
Osgood, Jr., 614 
Edes, Joseph, 374 
Elliott, Abbie A., 448 

Benjamin R., 427^ 
Widow Betsey, 487 
Ellis, Dr. Edwin, 456 
Harriet C, 5S9 
Mrs. Harriet, 518 
Nellie M., 583 
Ellsworth, Abby C, 487 

Jeremiah, 614 
Emery, Elizabeth, 408 
Rev. Ira, 370 
Joseph, 50S 
Emmons, Hattie, 532 
Eustis, Alma, 501 

Sarah E., 501 
Eveleth, Abigail, 367 

Joseph, 508 
Everett, Lucy, 601 
Samuel, 602 
Ewing, Chloe M., 591 
Ewings, Lydia, 572 

FAIRBANKS, Abigail, 366 
Charles N., 505 



INDEX 11. 



675 



Franklin T., 578 

Lucy, 364 
Fairchild, Maria, 480 
Kales, Ella i\r., 467 
Farnsvvorth, Sarai, 3S9 
Farrington, Syrah E., 553 
P'elch, Llewellyn M.. 503 
Fellows, Aaron, 528 

Emily M., 491 

Mrs.'Mary (I'raig), 619 

Sarah, 4^2 

Mrs. Sarah A. (Whittier), 366 
Field, Rev. Pindar, 433 
Fish, Charles W., 359 
Fisher, Herman, 359 
Fiske, Nellie, 557 
Fitch, James L., 451 
Flanders, Aaron S., 514 
Fletcher, Hon. Calvin, 369 

Jeremiah, 549 

Jeremiah, Jr., 47S 

Mary, 540 

Rebecca, 373 

Sarah, 39S 
Flint, Andrew C, 558 

Betsey, 615 

John, 53S 
Flynt, Sarah, 480 
Fogg, C. Frank, 519 

Fanny, 374 

Mary A., 531 
Follensbee, (I'ryden S.), 374 
Folsom, Ruth, 576 

Walter F., 417 
Ford, Arthur P., 620 

Emily M., 376 

SibyfM., 536 
Forrest, Fred, 581 
Forster, Mary S., 382 
Forsyth, Alexander, 539 
Fuss, Volney H., 493 
Fossett, Sarah A., 519 
Foster, Henry PL, 429 
Fouche, Temple, 51S 
Frederick, Joseph, 473 
Fredericks, John, 473 
Freeman, Capt. Frederic A., 600 

Lucy, 511 
French, Hiram, 402 

John, 549 

Jonas, 549 

Lovina, 402 

Mary, 549 

Mary, 558 

Mrs.' Mary (Biitterfield), 549 
" Nathan, 450 
» Nehemiah, 41 1 

William, 549 
Frier, Lonie, 505 
Frost, Mary A., 367 
Frothingham, Sarah .S., 382 
Fuller, Ann K., 587 



Deborah A., 381 
Helen L., 427 
Lydia, 422 
Nellie, 442 
Samuel F., 375 
Furbush, Cordelia A., 501 

GAGE, Horace D., 480 
Garcelon, Lucy, 476 
Gartanlaub, Adolf, 386 
Gaskell, Mary A., 598 
Gay, Eliphaz, 517 

March, 473 
Geyer, Vannie, 366 
Gilbert, Mrs. Huldah, 412 

Merrianne, 517 

William S., 426 
Gilkey, Charles F., 571 
Gill, Capt. Charles, family of, 3S2 
Gilman, Ellen L. D., 356 

Mrs. Joanna N., 435 

Mrs. Miriam, 565 

Warren R., 406 
Gonyou, Clofus, 543 
Goodridge, Nathan, 465 

Sarah, 367 
Goodwin, Charity B., 436 

James, family of, 603 

John D. N., 456 
Gordon, Clark W., 534 

Cordelia, 565 

Jonathan, 396 

Martha E., 591 

Mrs. Rebecca (Tibbetts), 491 
Goss, Mrs. Eliza, 501 
Gould, Cyrena, 461 

Emily S., 557 

Elizabeth, 507 

H. Jennie, 591 

Mary, 515 

Samuel G., 606 
Graham, Elizabeth, 500 
Grant, Celia, 362 

Eliza, 593 

Hannah, 460 f 

Graves, Mehitable, 523 
Gray, Columbus, 475 

William I)., 591 
Green, Asa, 419 

Mrs. Jane (Dow), 527 

Jonas, 535 

fosiah, 409 

Sally, 522 
Greenleaf, Elfrida, 583 
Greeley, Jane, 597 

Mehitalile, 597 

Moses, 393 
Greenwood, Mrs. Amelia, 490 

Borredell, 482 

Etta M., 454 

Hollis, 482 

James S., 480 



6y6 



INDEX 11. 



Rosamond, 4S2 
Griffin, Susan H., 373 
Grover, l^ucy, 489 

HACKETT, Emily V., 609 

Hartson, 511 

Joseph L., 610 

Julia W., 466 

Mary S., 609 

Rev. Simeon, 577 
Hadley, Julia, 518 
Hiindscomb, Charles L., 443 
Haines, Charles, 536 

Nancy, 438 588 
Hall, Abigail, 39S 

Bertha 11., 491 

Elvira, 398 

Jane, 451 

Lewis J., 616 

Mary, 398 
Ham, John E., 513 514 
Hamlin, Abby, 357 

Almery T., 419 

Mrs. Martha, 417 
Hammond, Willard, 4S3 
Hampton, Phebe J., 370 ' 
Hanaford, Ellen, 582 
Hanson, George M., 499 
Hardy, Eliphalet J., 507 

Elizabeth, 411 

Isaac, 509 

Mary H., 496 

Mary L., 616 

Rhoda, 472 
Harnden, James M., 506 
Harris, Emily, 501 

Philip, 493 
narrower, \\'illiam 1!., 591 
Hartford, Abigail, 540 
Haskell, Elizabeth P., 592 

Sophronia, 592 
Hastings (Joanna), 408 
Hatch, Edwood T., 456 

Rachel, 370 
^Havves, Abigail, 4S2 

Clarissa, 482 

Susan, 483 

Hawkes, Thankful, 461 

Hayes, Thomas, 412 
Hayford, Malvina, 581 
Haynes, Juliette C., 618 

Lydia A., 532 

Russell S., 594 
Heald, Sarah, 578 
Heath, Maria 511 - 
Henry Elizabeth, 584 

Mary, 481 
Herrick, Frances T., 614 

Israel, 406 
Plersey, Abigail, 450 
Hervey, Widow Anna (Norton), 449 
Hewins, Emma R., 427 



Higgins, Dulcina D., 502 
Hill, Filone, 541 

Julia, 541, 
Hillman, Jane, 395 

Maria, 495 

Mary A., 532 
Hilman, Mary 11, 417 

Ruth M., 412 
Hinckley, Clara A., 520 

Mehitable, 369 
Hinkley, Mary, 492 

Mary J., 492 

Olive 1)., 492 

Ruth, 492 
Hinman, Mrs. Anna (Mitchell), 439 
Hiscock, Mrs. Belinda (Field), 375 

Betsey, 497 

Eunice, 555 
Hitchcock, Richard, Jr., 413 
Hobart, Joel, 592 
Hobbs, Mary A., 551 

Sarah H., 544 
Hodgdon, Abigail, 541 
Hodgkins, Abigail, 519 

Nettie, 491 
Holden, Mary, 576 
Holman, Joseph C, 44S 
Holmes, fohn, 537 

Julia M., 355 
Holway, Eliza, 499 
Hopkinson, Jonathan, 597 
Hosmer, Lot, 601 
Hovey, Elizabeth N., 417 
Howard, David, 592 

Maud, 583 

Rev. Rowland B., 4S6 

Susan, 593 
Howe Huldah, 490 

Salome, 489 
Howes, Lewis \V., 366 

Sophia D., 598 
Hoyt, Mary, 49S 
Hudson, Flora E., 544 
Hunter, Anna S., 437 

David F., 382 

James, 449 

Rachel A., 556 

Rosanna, 5i;s 
Iluse, Abel \\ ., 565 

Benjamin, 5()5 

Emily N., 418 

I'hioch, 413 

Jesse, 478 

Mary J., 508 
Ilutchins, Catherine, 561 

Virginia R., 571 
Hutchinson, Joseph, 616 

INGALLS, Arthur, 562 
Ingham, David, 410 
Innet, Maria P., 377 
Instance, Deborah, 539 



INDEX 11. 



677 



JACKS, Gertrude L., 529 
Jacobs, Isaac S., family of, 59S 
Jenks, William, 563 
Jenness, Sarah, 412 
Jennings, Lewis E., 521 
Jewell, .M. Eva, 563 
Jewett, Abner C, 466 

Ann W., 513 

Eliza, 475 

Evelina, 594 

John W., 501 

Lizzie S. J., 407 
Johnson, Anna, 546 

Betsey, 400 

Eunice, 368 

Henry C, 519 

Lewis C, 546 

Oliver, 355 

Pede, 423 
Johnston, George H., 40C 
Jones, Caleb, 419 

Mae E., 589 

Patience D., 570 

Reuben, 473 

Samuel, 509 

Samuel L., 482 

Sarah, 473 

Zilpha, 487 
Jordan, Hannah, 414 

Louisa, 371 
Joy, Mary, 615 
Judkins, Christiana, 542 

Jonathan, 473 

KANNADY, Martha, 592 

Mary, 569 

^^'illiam, 429 
Kates, Comfort, 572 
Keelcr, John H., 4S9 
Keen, Samuel, family of, 394 
Keith, Leonard, family of, 578 
Kellev, Moses, 515 
Kelly; Hattie ]\L, 528 
Kclsev, Ambrose P., 477 
Kempton, Fannie C, 575 

John, 396 

Warren W., Jr., 563 
Kendrick, Alice T., 553 
Kennedy, George H., 457 

Thomas, 397 
Keuiston, Gardner T., 489 
Keyes, Eva H., 543 

Sally, 474 
King, William S., 459 
Kinloch, Emma G., 612 
Kitchen, Sibyl E., 433 
Knapj), George H., family of, 457 

Jerome B., 501 

Lucia, 515 
Knowles, Helen I)., 532 
Knowlton, Anna, 497 

Mrs. Ella E., 529 



Knox, Mrs. Nelly (Lloyd), 493 

LADD, Rev. Horatio ()., 355 

Julia M., 591 

Samuel, 602 
Lambert, Milton N., 604 

Samuel S., 413 

Sarah, 495 

Thomas, 397 
Lancaster, Ezekiel, 465 
Latham, Eliab, 597 

Laughton, Mrs. M. Frances (Lake), 620 
Lavender, Theodore, 528 
Lawrence, Rev. B. (Frank), 427 

Mary, 50S 
Lawry, Mrs. Slary J., 496 
Leach, Rebecca S., 356 
Leaman, Sally, 510 
Learned, Asa, 487 
Lewis, Annie E., 436 
Libby, James N„ 566 

Rufus, 451 
Lincoln, Mercy, 593 
Lindenberger, Dr. Lauren, 546 
Linscott, Jane, 521 
Lister, Dr. George, 369 
Littlefield, Robert, 450 
Livermore, Abigail H., 5ro 
Lockhart, William, family of, 431 
Lombard, (Peter), 418 
Long, Sabra, 433 
J-ook, John J., 567 

John J., family of, 610 

Jonathan, 499 
Lord, Reuben, 414 

Lothrop, Capt. John A. B., family of, 366 
Lovejoy, Clarence F., 529 
Lovell, Clinton, 598 
Lowell, Mrs. Electa S., 551 

Susan J., 459 
Luce, Eunice, 370 

Fifield, 542 

Katherine, 400 51 1 

John T., family of, 609 

Julia S., 421 

Justin, 496 

Martha, 577 

Phebe, 450 

Samuel B., 505 

Solomon, 517 

Susan, 541 

William H., 3S3 
Lufkin, Jacob, 361 

Phebe, 417 
Lumber, Rebecca, 597 
Lunt, Frank W., 620 

James, 555 
Lyde, Charlotte, 436 
Lyon, Betsey, 391 

Mary, 465 

Susan, 610 



86 



67^ 



INDEX If. 



MACE, Fayette, 471 

Lydia P., 501 

Nettie R., 476 
Macomber, Charles M., 442 

Susan B., 460 
Maddocks, Mary, 526 

Richard, 616 

Richard, Jr., 521 
Maltby, Betsey, 541 
Manes, Lydia, 374 
Mann, Jeremiah, 572 

Sarah J., 572 
Manter, George, 500 

Mrs. Sarah (Bixby), 4S4 

Susan, 499 
Marchant, Hannah, 460 

Hephzibah, 499 

Mary, 577 

Peter, 416 
Marr, Araminta, 475 
Marston, Lendall C, family of, 543 
Martin, Elizabeth R., 591 

Mrs. Frances (Gilkison), 360 

Jennie M., 437 
Marvell, James B., 601 
Mayall, John, 481 
Mayhew, Elizabeth, 405 

Hannah, 568 

Hebron, 441 

Holmes, 473 

Jared, 543 

Lydia, 569 

Matilda, 56S 

Myra, 613 

Ruhamah, 568 

Thaddeus, 494 

Zadoc, 490 
McCleery, David, family of, 436 
McClure, George, 436 

Stephen J. .S., 421 
McDonald, Lucius F., 381 
McFarland, Abel, 528 
Mcintosh, Sarah, 509 

William, 509 

William D., 370 
Mclntyre, Carrie S., 444 

Joel, 473 
McKecknie, Elizabeth, 415 
McKeen, Henry, 471 

Jedediah, 373 
McKenney, Eliza, 541 
McKinney, Mrs. Hannah P., 432 
McLaughlin, Cassie, 475 

Daniel, 515 
McLeary, Mrs. Ella E. (Conaiit), 604 

Frank E., family of, 621 

Justin E., 603 
McLellan, Alexander, 45^ 

Betsey, 455 
Mead, Edward S., 35c; 
Merriam, Betsey, 472 
Merrill, C<itherine C, 590 



Etta F., 407 

L Warren, family of, 560 

Lizzie, 442 

Mrs. Louisa F., 453 

Martha J., 484 

Sarah, 412 

Rev. Thomas, 364 
Merritt, Lydia, 599 
Merry, Polly, 395 
Michaels, Thomas M.. 459 
Miller, William F., 600 
Miilett, Herbert A., 502 
Mills, Elizabeth B., 365 

George W., 493 
Mitchell, Alexander, 375 

David, 522 

Hepsie M., 523 

John, family of, 525 

Lucy, 566 

Mrs'. Nancy (Mcintosh), 567 
Moody, James, 541 

William G., 575 
Moore, Albion, 566 

David, 515 

Elizabeth, 433 

Hannah, 451 

Hattie P., 443 

Lewis D., 514 
More, Margaret, 379 
Morrill, Jane, 541 
Morrison, Betsey J., 563 

Chloe, 52S 

Jane, 512 

Lucius, 526 

Montgomery, 438 

Mrs. Sophronia (Reed), 417 
Morrow, Albert, 523 
Morse, Charity B., 541 

Col. Charles, .^9 

Job, 373 

Louisa, 369 
Morton, George, 498 

Lucy, 577 

Mary, 614 
Mosher, Abigail A., 502 

David T., 412 

Ellen F., 371 

George, 594 
Mowry, Tillinghast, 498 
Murphy, George E., 502 

NASON, Jennie S., 524 
Nay, Thomas, 51 1 
Ness, Eliza A., 41^0 
Nevins, Dexter l!., 49=; 
Newell, Franklin, 430 

John, 411 
Newton, Charles H., 359 
Ney, Annie, 535 
Nichols, Eldora, 505 
Niles, Adeline, 528 

Amasa, 528 



INDEX //. 



679 



S. Amanda, 613 
Nol)le, 'I'lionias C, 513 
Norcross, Mahala B., 561 

Marv, 53S 

Matthias S., 602 
Nonis, Hannah E., 414 

Keturah F., 531 

Simeon, 616 
Norton, C'onstant, 542 

Cornelius, family of, 3S0 

Elizabeth 1>., 473 

Fidelia A., 545 

Hannah, D., 388 

Hannah S., 375 

Hannah S., 467 

Henry, 481 

Isaac, 373 

Jane, 539 

John \V., 471 

Lydia, 539 
Noyes, Fred \V., 417 
Nu'dd, Lydia, 422 

OAKES, Amanda, 563 
Oaks, Elkanah, family of, 618 

Emma H., 601 

John, family of, 392 
Odell, Cyrus, family of, 563 

Elias, 562 

Sarah, 517 
Omey, Joseph, 594 
Osgo'od, Sarah J., 533 

PAGE, Hannah, 540 

Philip S., 452 
Paine, David, 400 

James, 400 

John, 401 

"S. Augusta, 501 
I'almer, Emma, 474 
I'archcr, Mrs. Louisa, 600 
Parker, lletsey, 436 

Hannah, 375 

(Joseph) B., 389 

Mary, 597 

Mary F., 375 

Peter, 408 

Prudence, 596 

Sally, 497 

Stephen, 413 

Susanna, 492 
I'arsons, Mary E., 445 
Partridge, Leonard P., 563 
I'atternon, Augusta, 603 
Pavson, Mary, 472 
Pcarcc, Marena, 578 
I'carson, William H., 599 
Pease, Beulah, 422 

Brilsford, 471 

Huldah, 369 

James F., 436 

Lovie S., 4CI 



Lvdia, 56S 

Mrs. Mary, 53S 
Percival, Marshall C, 405 
Perham, Eben, 418 

Sarah E., 529 
Perkins, George (J)., 575 

Mrs. Mary, 375 
Perley, Joshua, 465 
Perry, Emily A., 523 
Peterson, Morgiana A., 545 
Pettengill, Mary, 495 

Thankful, 496 
Phelps, Eliza B., 415 

Mary A., 577 
Pickford, John, 53S 
Pierce, Mrs. Catherine J. P. (Martin), 

45S 

Ezekiel, 554 

Phebe, 565 
Pike, Martha, 487 

Miriam, 543 
Pillsbury, Belinda, 522 
Pinkham, Elmira, 600 

Nathan, 396 

Nathan (Jr.), 414 459 
Piper, John W., 456 
Pitman, Mary, 397 
Plummer, Esther G., 486 
Pollard, Abigail, 511 
Pope, Edmund, 573 

Elmira, 574 

Elnathan, 482 
Powell, Sarah, 416 
Powers, Hannah, 478 

Hosmer, 478 

Salla, 562 
Pratt, Huldah, 540 

Jacob L., 571 

James R., 602 

[ane, 600 

John, 460 

Joshua H., 443 

Lucy, 429 

Marcy, 594 

Sarah, 522 

Stephen M., 450 
Prescott; Cora L., 491 

Eliza J. G., 456 

Jesse, 615 

Lura E., 427 

Martha A., 491 

Nancy, 532 

Samuel, 615 
Presson, David W., family of, 496 
Preston, E. (Marshall), 467 

Rachel R., 517 
Price, Keziah, 36S 
Proctor, Lucy, 435 
Pullen, Emma G., 460 
Purington, Hattie F., 500 

i^UIMBY, Mrs. Martha H., 419 



68o 



INDEX II. 



Quincy, John T., 419 
Quint, Haven A., 490 
Rackliff, Fanny O., 421 

Louisa, 562 

Rachel J., 562 

Rebecca L., 599 
Radcliff, Alice, 439 
Radley, Electa M., 480 
Randall, Rev. (Daniel) B., 483 

Dr. William, family of, 535 
Ransom, Laura AL, 416 
Read, Maria, 498 

Mary M., 603 

Polly, 392 

Susan, 613 
Record, Betsey, 506 

Milaann, 493 
Reed, Cyrus T., 406 

Irene, 523 

Susan, 597 

Susan, 606 

William, 466 

William M., 614 
Rice, Mehitable, 538 

Richard wS., 432 

Ruth, 542 

William, 367 
Rich, Lizzie C, 446 

Marcia L., 517 
Richards, Abby D., 599 

Elbridge E., 599 

Eliza, 536 

I. Clark, 599 

Isaiah W., 609 

Dr. John A., family of, 495 

Louisa M., 557 

William W., 532 
Richardson, Benjamin, 435 
Richmond, Annie, 593 
Ricker, Martha, 612 

Wentworth, 573 
Ridgway, Abbie J., 580 

James, 498 

Ursula, 406 
Roach, Betsey, 506 

Lovell, 539 

Rosabell, 581 
Robbins, Hannah, 445 
Roberts, Sophia W., 443 
Robinson, Caroline A., 415 

John, 365 

Zipporah, 419 
Rodbert, Hannah, 577 
Rollins, Sarah, 450 
Rowe, Moses, 393 
Rubottom, Susan R., 447 
Rundlett, Mrs. Harriet W., 443 
Russell, Amlin B., 604 

Dr. Ednmnd, 555 

Emeline, 567 

Hannah A., 592 

Simon, 372 



Thomas, 592 

SAFFORD, Lucy J., 480 
Sampson, Abel, 578 

Crocker W., 595 

Martha, 469 

William, 564 
Sanborn, Affie M., 491 

Dr. Amzi, 402 
Sanders, Joseph, 601 
Sanderson, Anna, 473 
Sands, Edward, 5S0 
Sanford, Mrs. Millia, 514 
Sargent, Hon. (Wyer) G., 484 
Saunders, Emma E., 376 
Savage, Fannie L., 561 
Sawtelle (Nathan), 418 

Sarah, 41 1 
Sawyer, Abel H., family of, 386 

Edwin, 604 

Eiiza B., 362 

Eunice, 478 

Martha S., 362 

Rachel, 409 
Scales, John S., 455 

VVilliam, 455 
Scoville, Zada, 395 
Sears, Alice, 616 
Sewall, Caroline A., 571 

Hannah, 364 

Maria, 620 

Mary M., 433 
Shaw, Ebenezer P., 515 

Edwin, 604 

Elizabeth, 541 

Rosa G., 356 
Shearer, Columbia, 452 
Shepard, Eugene, H., 558 
Sherburne, Mary L., 559 

Miriam, 527 
Shoales, Horatio B., 475 
Simonds, Mrs. Lizzie, 442 
Skillings, Mary, 512 
Skinner, Martha J., 390 

Sarah S., 390 
Smiser, Lucy, 592 
Smith, Betsey, 526 

Charles F., 581 

Charlotte, 398 

Deborah, 540 

Elbridge 1"., 447 

P^lizabeth, 538 

Ella O., 3S7 

Eva, 578 

Fred S., 475 

George W., 599 

Hannah, 472 

Hannah, 539 

Jane, 399 

Jeremiah, 537 

Jeremiah, 568 

Katherine, 454 



INDEX II. 



68 1 



Lemuel P., 569 

Lilly, 572 

Lucy S., 442 

Lydia, 546 

M. Amanda, 475 

Mary, 372 

Mary, 592 

Rachel V., 427 

R. Hanly, 503 

Samuel, 449 

vSarah, 3S0 

Sarah, 540 

Sarah, 542 

Thankful, 510 

Thomas B., 565 

Timothy, 36S 

Velina, 432 

William A., family of, 453 
Snow, Mary, 418 
Soper, Ella J., 355 
Soule, Daniel H., 502 

Lucy, 426 

Matilda A., 490 
Spaulding, John C, 404 

Mary, 534 

Mary E., 352 

Nellie, 546 
Spear, William, 602 
Sphurr, Mary, 507 
Spiller, Lauretta, 367 
Spooner, Mrs. Abigail (Pease), 472 

Elizabeth, 472 

Mary, 449 

Ward, 547 
Sprague, John F., 427 
Sprinke, Mary, 473 
Stamford, Elvira, 459 
Stanley, Apphia H., 5S9 

Catherine, 577 

Charlotte, 441 

Drusilla, 441 

Ellen E., 424 

George R., 578 
Staples, Gideon K., 542 

Mary A., 609 
Starling, Abigail, 396 

Dorothy, 440 

Mary, 479 
Steele, Mary J., 439 
Stejihens, Addle A., 507 

Amanda F., 543 

Deborah, 374 
Stevens, Edwin N., family of, 579 

Eugene N., 5S1 

Fannie, 417 
- Hannah, 507 

Lizzie E., 443 

Martha, 518 

Mary, 400 

Sullivan F., 597 
Steward, Ruth, 375 
Stewart, Fanny, 374 



John J., 500 

S. Drew, 498 
Stickney, Mary J., 375 
Stimpson, Charles W., 583 
Stover, John A., 375 
Stowers, Ebenezer, 521 

Martha J., 534 

Samuel, 393 
Stoyell, Anna B., 616 

John, 496 
Streeter, Mary H., 399 

William, 450 
Sturdivant, Mary, 374 
Sweatland, David, 373 

Eunice, 551 
Sweet, Edward K., 459 

Zebediah, 555 
Swett, Mary D., 398 
Swift, E. Sprague, 406 
Sylvester, Naomi, 365 ■ 
Symonds, Susan P., 390 

TALBOT, C. Asa, 519 

Ella S., 581 
Talcott, William, 583 
Tarbell, Melinda, 573 
Tarbox, Aaron, 572 

Martha A., 601 

Mary B., 531 

Stillman, 457 

Susan, 491 

William, 505 
Tarr, Mary, 430 
Taylor, Aaron D., 523 

Drusilla, 374 

Emily A., 544 

Harriet J., 446 

L. Ellen, 579 
Templin, Mary P., 594 
Thatcher, Lieut. Henry K., 426 
Thomas, Amanda A., 557 

Cora L., 543 

George P., 557 

Joseph W., 603 

Phebe, 498 

Ruth, 497 
Thompson, Albert, 417 567 

Claribel, 501 

Daniel, 606 

Hannah, 606 

Mrs. Josephine (Godding), 535 

Rev. Nathan, 606 

Rufus, 562 
Thorn, Elizabeth, 465 

William, 463 
Thornton, Mabel, 386 
Thwing, Charles F., family of, 404 
Tilton, Asa, 568 

(Joseph) A., 467 
Timberlake, James G., family of, 529 

Lucellus, 502 
Tinker, Charlotte J., 531 



682 



INDEX ri. 



Tirrell, Gideon, 419 

Tizoii, Genara, 611 
Toljey, (-'aioline W., 359 

Robert W., 441 

Thomas W., 455 
Todd, Elizabeth, 594 
Tohnan, Soi)hia, 475 
Tower, Mrs. Marv, 492 
Towle, Benjamin H., 443 

Joses, 397 

Rhoda I., 520 
Tracy, Lydia, 436 

Sarah E., 441 
Treby, Mary, 513 
Tripp, Elsie, 569 

Mary N., 543 

William, family of, 619 

Trowbridge, Cemantha, 574 
True, Hannah A. R., 41S 

Sarah, 397 

Zilpha, 559 
Tuck, Addie L., 3S9 

Hannah, 566 
Tucker, Mrs. Mary A., 456 
Tufts, Deborah, 517 
Tyler, Henry E., 476 

Martha, 523 

UPHAM, Lemira, 612 

VALDERIESO, Laura, 611 
Vaughan, Ebenezer, 537 

Harriet, 354 

Ira, 511 

Ira, (Jr.), 49S 

Jabez, 415 

Lucy, 522 

Z. Morton, 51 1 
Vining, Keziah M., 543 

WADE, Mrs. Eliza (Smith), 502 

Flora S., 426 

Lewis T., family of, 590 

Mae A., 426 
Walker, Charlotte, 593 

George A., 545 

H. Adelia, 579 

John, 515 

Nathaniel, 422 

William. 422 
Walton, Fanny, 422 

M indwell, 603 

Rebecca, 422 
Wardwell, Mary, 450 
Watts, Sarah C, 620 
Waugh, James H., family of, 384 

Jane, 526 

Nancy, 450 
Weare, Hannah O., 427 
Weathern, Arnold, 616 

Mrs. Lurana (Morrill), 619 



Mrs. Mary, 372 
Sarah, 449 
Sarah E., 620 
Webber, Elizabeth, 562 

Elder George, 515 
Webster, Ann, 367 

Anna I., 48S 

Dorothy, 592 
Weed, Clarissa, 43S 
Weekes, Deborah, 517 
Weeks, Dorothy, 483 
Rhoda, 3S0 

Tamsin, 39S, 484 

Zilpha, 527 
NN'elch, Robert, 478 
Weld, Mrs. Harriet (Estabrook), 451 
Wellman, Ebenezer B., 402 521 547 

Joseph F., 604 

Susan B., 532 

Thomas, 517 
Wescott, Eliza F., 557 
^Vest, Mary A., 494 

Walter H., 381 
Weston, Electa, 471 

William, 426 
Wheeler, Dorcas D., 442 

Edward, 422 

George, family of, 421 

George W., family of, 448 

Mary, 422 

Samuel, family of, 402 
\\'hite Diana, 506 

Lucy, 493 

Lydia, 604 
Whitehouse (Andrew L.), 466 
\\'hiting, Joseph L., 573 
Whitmore, Hannah R., 466 
Whitney, Betsey H., 479 

Frederick E., family of, 363 

Jane, 411 

Joel, 561 

Lovisy, 411 

Martha, 416 

Sarah, 411 
Whittemore, Abbie, 567 

Dr. Nathaniel K., 562 
Whittier, Benjamin, 511 

Emeline, 533 

Henrietta, 620 

Henry C, 413 

Isabel S., 491 

Jedediah, 616 

Judith, 419 

"(Ovando) P., family of, 444 

I'hilander E., 599 

R. Brenda, 359 

.Simon P., 421 

Taylor, 409 
Wilbur, Betsey, 563 

Carrie N., 484 
Wilder, Christoi^her W., family of, 
490 



INDEX //. 



683 



Edwin E., family of, 4S9 
Will, John, 592 
Willai-d, Nancy, 540 

Olive, 435 

Sally, 526 

Sibyl, 410 
Williams, Allen F., 447 

Anna L., 532 

Dr. J. (Leon), 620 

Julia, 612 

Mary A., 477 

Nathaniel M., 526 

Sally, 525 

Zilpha I., 452 
Williamson, Francis M., 375 
Wilson, S. Henry, 370 
Winans, Myra H., 4S8 
Wing, Sylvia, 594 
Winslovv, Rev. Ezra. 584 

Nicholas, 568 
Winter, Addie, 567 
Wood, Ella F., 545 

Hannah, 405 

Henrietta E. S., 470 



Woodbury, Mrs. Mary (Dana), 354 
Woodcock, Louisa P., 534 
Woodman, Luther C, 513 
Woods, Mrs. Betsey, 435 
Woodward, Charles, 535 
Woodworth, Mrs. Esther H. (Allen) 

535 
Wormwell, Martha L., 566 
Worth, Mrs. Anna, 356 
Wright, Abbie, 601 

Hiram, 502 

Olive A., 604 

Oliver, 40S 

Dr. William, 369 
Wvman, Betsey, 553 

Cynthia N., 546 

(James), 418 

Jeremy, 601 

YEATON, Carrie, 490 
York, Samuel, 600 
Young, Daniel, 606 

Harry, 369 

Isaac W., 618 



ERRATA. 



The following corrections, generally made necessary by 
errors in information furnished the author, have come to his 
notice, and are here inserted. 

Page I02. — " Miss Annie F. Johnson," should read Miss Annie E. Jo/inson. 

Page 164. — " M. J. I. Jones," should read Air. J. I.Jones. 

Page 177. — Line 18, "a draft of the men," should read a draft of three men. 

Page 179. — "Joseph Dyer, Jr.," should \e.i\A Joseph Dyar^Jr. 

Page 358. — (13). " Kelly," should read Kelley. 

Page 360. — Adams Introduction. "From Joseph, the oldest," should read 
From Joseph, the seventh. " from Samuel, a younger son," should read from 
Samuel, the third son. 

Page 429. — After "Feb. 15," supply 1S21. 

Page 430. — Cony Introduction. Erase "and then just mariied." 

Page 450. — 12. " Oct. u, 1829," should read Dec. 11, 1828. " Apr. 4, 1840," 
should read Apr. 4, 1851. 

I'age 451. — Cutler Introduction. Erase the second sentence, and sup]5ly : He 
immigrated to the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, from Norfolk County, Eng- 
land, in 1634, and settled in Watertown. 

Page 459. — (31). "Gardiner," should read Lewiston. 

Page 476. — (47). " Aug. 3, 1848," should read Aug. i, 184S. 

Page 480. — 35. "2 chil.," should read 3 r/4//. 36. "3 chil.," should read 3 
chil. by second marriage with Abbie Carter. 38. " 2 chil.," should read 3 chil. 
39. " 2 chil.," should read 3 chil. 

Page 490. — 21. "2 chil., both d.," should read 3 chil., all d. 

Page 491. — 37. " June 24, 18S2," should ready)/ //d' 22, 1882. 38. " Apr. 22. 
1882," should read Apr. 6, 1882. 

Page 492. — 9. " 2 chil.," should read 4 chil. 

Page 495. — 15. " Aug. 24, 1861," should read Ano. 24, 1S60. 

Page 520. — (33)- " Armina," should read Armine. 

Page 529. — (51). "Dec. 27, 1862," should read Dec. 2% 1861. So. "Oct. 
23, 1882," should read Oct. 22, 1882. Si. "Jan. 3, 1862," should read Jan. 31, 
1862. 

Page 530. — Milliken Introduction. "Ellison," should read Eleanor. 

Page 531. — 4. "from 1835 to 1S37," should read/rew 1833 to\'6T,-j. "Joseph 
Norris," should read Kiijtis Aorris. 5. " [unc 11, 1S32," should read J7ine 1 1' 

Page 544. — 126. "June 8, 1861," should rczA June C), i86i. 

Page 609. — 3. "June 26, 1877," should read June 22, 1877. 6. "Cali- 
ft)rnia," should read A'evada. 

Page 610. — 22. "Dollv Wendell look, b. Dec, 1861," sliould \f^A Dolly 
Susan Look, b. Dec. '\\, iSto. 



MARRIAGES. 






MARRIAGES. 



MARRIAGES. 



MARRIAGES. 



BIRTHS. 



BIRTHS. 



BIRTHS. 



BIRTHS. 



DEATHS. 




c4<^ 







DEATHS. 



APR m9 



